Page 644 of 705

643 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:
the engine will not run
there is a malfunction in the brake sys-
tem
there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2 and automatic
locking is deactivated (
page 223).
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. Adapt your driving accordingly.i
The automatic transmission will remain
locked in position P and the SmartKey will not
turn in the starter switch if the consumer battery
is disconnected or discharged. See information
on the battery (
page 634) or on jump starting
(
page 639).
i
To signal turns while being towed with the
hazard warning flasher in use, turn SmartKey in
starter switch to position 2 and activate the com-
bination switch for the left or right turn signal in
the usual manner – only the selected turn signal
will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warn-
ing flasher will operate again.
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, please note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and
the SmartKey in starter switch position 2, or
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (
page 317)
in position 2, the vehicle doors lock if the left
front wheel as well as the right rear wheel are
turning at vehicle speeds of approximately
9mph (15km/h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (
page 76).
To prevent the vehicle doors from locking, deac-
tivate the automatic central locking
(
page 313).
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using
the properly installed towing eye bolt. Never at-
tach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle
chassis, frame or suspension parts.
Page 646 of 705

645 Practical hintsFuses
Fuses
The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to
switch off malfunctioning power circuits.
If a fuse is blown, the component(s) and
systems secured by that fuse will stop op-
erating.
The following aids are available to help you
replace fuses (
page 646):
Fuse chart
Spare fuses
Special fuse extractorThe electrical fuses are located in different
fuse boxes:
In the dashboard on the passenger side
(page 647)
In the dashboard on the driver’s side
(page 647)
Behind the rear center armrest
(page 647)
In the engine compartment on the driv-
er’s side (
page 646)
In the engine compartment on the pas-
senger side (
page 647)
i
Blown fuses must be replaced by like fuses
(recognizable by the color and amperage) with
the amperage recommended in the fuse alloca-
tion chart. A Mercedes-Benz Center will be hap-
py to advise you.
Only change fuses while the vehicle is parked.
First switch off all electrical consumers and turn
off the ignition.
Warning!
G
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with the specified amperage for the system
in question. Using other fuses may cause an
overload leading to a fire, and/or cause
damage to electrical components and/or
systems.!
Keep the fuse boxes free by contamination
and wetness. Otherwise, electrical parts or sys-
tems could be damaged.
!
Never attempt to repair or bridge a blown
fuse. Have the cause determined and remedied
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
!
Switch off the vehicle’s internal electrical
functions (
page 637) when you are working on
the fuses.
Page 647 of 705
646 Practical hintsFusesAids for replacing fuses
Fuse chart
The fuse chart is located in the fuse box in
the vehicle tool kit in the trunk
(page 611). The amperages of the fuses
are also given there.
Spare fuses
The spare fuses are located in the vehicle
tool kit in the trunk (
page 611).
Fuse extractor
The fuse extractor is located in the vehicle
tool kit in the trunk (page 611).
Fuse boxes in engine compartment
Box on the driver’s sideFuse box, driver’s side (example illustration
from S 550)14 screws
2Cover
3JumperOpening
Take the crank from the Operator’s
Manual pouch.
Loosen screws1 with crank.
Remove jumper3.
Remove cover2.
Closing
Attach cover2.
Attach jumper3.
Tighten screws1 with crank.
!
The cover must fit properly, as otherwise
moisture or dirt may impair the functionality of
the fuses.
Page 649 of 705
648 Practical hintsFusesFuse box in the rear passenger
compartment
1Cover
Opening
Swing down center armrest.
Open cover behind center armrest.
Pull cover1 forward in direction of ar-
row.Closing
Press cover1 backward and engage.
Emergency engine shut-down
If the engine can no longer be stopped us-
ing the SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button, the engine can be
turned off by withdrawing 3 fuses.
For easy removal of fuses, use the fuse ex-
tractor (supplied with vehicle tool kit) to
pull out the fuses marked on the fuse chart
as “Emergency engine shut-down”.
The fuse chart is also located in the vehicle
tool kit (
page 611).
!
Make sure that the seal in the cover is not
damaged during opening or closing.
Page 650 of 705
649 Technical data
Parts service
Warranty coverage
Identification labels
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Engine
Rims and tires
Electrical system
Main dimensions and weights
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Page 653 of 705
652 Technical dataIdentification labels1Certification label, includes Paintwork
code (on driver’s B-pillar) 2Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Fold down rear center armrest.
Vehicle Identification Number 2 is un-
derneath a cover in the center armrest.
Example illustration from S 5503Engine number (engraved on engine)
4VIN, visible (lower edge of windshield)
5Emission control information label,
includes both federal and California
certification exhaust emission
standards
Vacuum line routing diagram labeli
When ordering parts, please specify vehicle
identification and engine numbers.
Page 655 of 705
654 Technical dataEngineModel
S 550 (221.171)
1
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding data of all special
bodies and special equipment.
S 600 (221.176)
1
Engine
273
275
Mode of operation
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
No. of cylinders
8
12
Bore
3.86 in (98.00 mm)
3.23 in (82.00 mm)
Stroke
3.56 in (90.50 mm)
3.43 in (87.00 mm)
Total piston displacement
333.3 cu in (5461 cm
3)
336.4 cu in (5513 cm
3)
Compression ratio
10.7:1
9:1
Output acc. to SAE J 1349
2
2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
382 hp/6000 rpm
(285 kW/6000 rpm)
510 hp/5000 rpm
(380 kW/5000 rpm)
Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349
384 lb-ft/3000 rpm
(520 Nm/3000 rpm)
612 lb-ft/1800 - 3500 rpm
(830 Nm/1800 - 3500 rpm)
Maximum engine speed
6500 rpm
5950 rpm
Firing order
1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9
Poly-V-belt
2404 mm
2370 mm
Page 662 of 705

661 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore use only
products tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Please refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Comply with all valid regulations with re-
spect to handling, storing and disposing of
service fluids. Otherwise you could endan-
ger persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of chil-
dren.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a phy-
sician immediately.
Warning!
G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
injury. Never allow sparks, flame or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Do not allow fuel to come into contact with
skin or clothing. Direct skin contact with fu-
els and the inhalation of fuel vapors are
damaging to health.
Switch off the engine before refueling.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter
S 550
S 600
8.98 US qt. (8.5 l)
9.51 US qt. (9.0 l)
Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission
S 550
S 600
10.36 US qt. (9.8 l)
8.14 US qt. (7.7 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear axle
S 550
1.27 US qt. (1.2 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
S600
2.11 US qt. (2.0 l)
Hydraulic system for ADS or ABC
All models
4.2 US qt. (4.0 l)
MB Hydraulic Fluid
Power steering
S 550
approx. 1.06 US qt. (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid
(Pentosin CHF 11S)
S 600
approx. 1.27 US qt. (1.2 l)