540 OperationVehicle careCleaning the windows and the wiper
blades
Make sure the hood is fully closed.
Place wiper arms in vertical position
(page 627).
Make sure the vehicle’s on-board elec-
tronics have status 0 (
page 315).
Fold the wiper arms forward until they
snap into place.
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.
Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild win-
dow cleaning solution on all outside
and inside glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.
!
If the windshield wipers leave smears on the
windshield after the vehicle has been driven
through an automatic car wash, wax or other res-
idue is on the windshield. Clean the windshield
with washer fluid shortly after cleaning the car in
an automatic car wash (
page 352).
!
The windshield wipers must be in a vertical
position before folding them away from the wind-
shield. They could otherwise damage the hood.
Never open the hood when the wiper arms are
folded forward.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the
vehicle’s on-board electronics have
status0) before cleaning the windshield
and/or the wiper blades. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and
cause injury.!
While doing so, only touch the wiper arm so
as not to damage the wiper blade inserts.
!
Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto
the windshield before turning the SmartKey in
the starter switch or pressing the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*).
Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper arm
back. If released, the force of the impact from
the tensioning spring could crack the windshield.
!
To clean the window interior, do not use a
dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners con-
taining solvents. Do not touch the inside of the
front, rear or side windows with hard objects
such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may
damage the windows.
542 OperationVehicle careHard plastic trim items
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thor-
oughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz
approved Leather Care.
Carpets
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet
and Fabric Care for cleaning the car-
pets.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Use a soft bristle brush or a dry-sham-
poo cleaner in case of excessive dirt. Seat belts
Only use clear, lukewarm water and
soap.
Upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause
the upholstery to become permanently dis-
colored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration
will be prevented.Leather upholstery
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp
cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with
Mercedes-Benz approved Leather
Care.
Exercise particular care when cleaning per-
forated leather as its underside should not
become wet.
Wood trims
Dampen cloth using water and use
damp cloth to clean wood trims in your
vehicle.
!
To prevent scratches, do not use scouring
agents.
!
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the web-
bing at temperatures above 176°F (80°C) or in
direct sunlight.
Warning!
G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
!
Do not use solvents like tar remover or
wheel cleaner nor polishes or waxes as these
may be abrasive.
!
S 600 only: Do not cover the luxury active
head restraints*.
606 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Malfunction
in Rear Center
Visit workshop
Components of the center rear passenger’s
supplemental restraint system may not
work properly.
Drive with added caution to the nearest au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Malfunction
on Rear Right side
Visit workshop
Components of the right rear passenger’s
supplemental restraint system may not
work properly.
Drive with added caution to the nearest au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Left window curtain
airbag malfunction
Visit workshop
The left side window curtain air bag may not
work properly.
Drive with added caution to the nearest au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Right window curtain
airbag malfunction
Visit workshop
The right side window curtain air bag may
not work properly.
Drive with added caution to the nearest au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indi-
cated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have
the system checked; otherwise the SRS may
not be activated when needed in an
accident, which could result in serious or fa-
tal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly
and unnecessarily which could result in an
accident and/or injury to you or to others.
627 Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper blades
Placing wiper arms in vertical positionWiper blades in vertical positionVehicles with SmartKey
Turn SmartKey in starter switch
position1.
Turn combination switch to wiper
settingu (
page 351).
With wiper arm in vertical position, turn
the SmartKey in starter switch to
position0.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the
vehicle’s on-board electronics have
status0) before replacing a wiper blade.
Otherwise, the wiper motor could suddenly
turn on and cause injury. Warning!
G
Wiper blades are components that are sub-
ject to wear and tear. Change the wiper
blades twice a year, preferably in the spring
and fall. Otherwise the windows will not be
properly wiped. As a result, you may not be
able to observe surrounding traffic condi-
tions and could cause an accident.
!
To avoid damage to the hood:
The wiper arms should only be folded for-
ward when in the vertical position.
Never open the hood when the wiper arm is
folded forward.
!
Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the impact
from the tensioning spring could crack the wind-
shield.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact the wind-
shield glass without a wiper blade inserted.
Make certain that the wiper blades are properly
installed. Improperly installed wiper blades may
cause windshield damage.
For your convenience, we recommend that you
have this work carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
679 Index
A
ABC* 403
Messages in display 570
Setting vehicle level 403
ABS 69
Indicator lamp 29, 69, 544
Messages in display 572
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 373
Accessory weight 526
Accident 363
Active headlamps 342
Adaptive Brake Lights (S 600 and USA
only) 70
Adaptive Damping System
(Airmatic) 401
Additional turn signals 622
Address book (COMAND) 202
Calling up 202
Changing an entry 207
Creating an entry 203
Deleting an entry 204
Details about an entry 206
Displaying details about an entry in the
phone book on the mobile
phone 207Importing data 212
Making a call 209
Menu overview 202
Searching for an entry 204
Starting route guidance 209
Voice entry 210
Address book (Voice Control*) 279
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 434
ADS (Airmatic) 401
Air bags 45
Children 61
Front 49
Front passenger front air bag indicator
lamp 53
OCS 50
Safety guidelines 47
Side impact 49
Window curtain 49, 50
Air conditioning, Refrigerant 662, 663
Air distribution
Adjusting 435
Adjusting (COMAND) 230
Air pressure 526
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 431Air vents 433
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 434
Air volume
Adjusting 429, 435
Adjusting (COMAND) 230
Airmatic 401
Messages in display 585
Setting vehicle level 401
Alarm
Audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps (Panic alarm) 68
Alarm system see Anti-theft alarm system
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 611,
631, 669
Ambient lighting
COMAND menu 225
Antiglare
Rear view mirrors 334
Anti-theft systems 75
Alarm, visual and audible 75
Anti-theft alarm system 75
Immobilizer 75
Tow-away alarm 76
Tow-away alarm (COMAND) 228
680 IndexAquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 448, 450
Ashtrays 456
Aspect ratio 526
Audio (COMAND) 104
CD mode 111
DVD mode 111
MP3 mode 111
Audio (Control system instrument
cluster) 248
CD changer 249
DVD changer 249
Audio DVD
Fast forward/rewind (COMAND) 113
Menu overview (COMAND) 110
Pause function (COMAND) 112
Stop function (COMAND) 112
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 334
Automatic climate control 424
Adjusting air distribution
(COMAND) 230
Adjusting air flow from air vents
(COMAND) 233
Adjusting air volume (COMAND) 230
Adjusting the footwell temperature
(COMAND) 232Air recirculation mode 431
Central climate control menu
(COMAND) 231
Central menu for rear climate control*
(COMAND) 234
Defrosting 429
Operating the rear climate control*
from the front 234
Operating via COMAND 229
Rear window defroster 430
Selecting Mono mode
(COMAND) 232
Setting temperature (COMAND) 230
Setting the temperature 429
Setting the temperature in the rear
passenger compartment 435
Switching cooling on or off
(COMAND) 231
Automatic headlamp mode 255, 343
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 349
Automatic locking when driving 313
Automatic shift program 374
Automatic transmission
Accelerator position 373
Automatic shift program 374Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) 377
Fluid 661
Fluid level 497
Gear ranges 372
Gear selector lever 367
Gear shifting malfunctions 377
Hill start assist system 374
Kickdown 373
Program mode selector switch 374
Shifting procedure 369
Starting the engine 359
Steering wheel gearshift control 375
Transmission fluid 497
Transmission positions 370
B
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs 622
Bar 526
BAS 71
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 311
Replacing 619
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking battery condition 311
Replacing 619
687 Index
G
Garage door opener 470
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR 526
Gear range 673
Automatic transmission 372
Limiting 372
Shifting into optimal 376
Gear selector lever 367
Gearshift pattern 367
Messages in display 562, 566, 567,
569, 610
Position 369
Shifting procedure 369
Transmission position 370
Global Positioning System see GPS
Glove box 448
Gloves, Vehicle tool kit 611
GPS 673
Reception (COMAND) 145
Tele Aid 462
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GVW 526
GVWR 527H
Hands-free microphone 37
Hard plastic trim items, Cleaning 542
Hazard warning flasher 348
Head restraints 324
Adjustment 324
Folding back and placing upright rear
head restraints 325
Front seat 324
Luxury active head restraints
(S600 only) 59
Rear seat 325
Resetting activated luxury active head
restraints (S600 only) 618
Headlamp cleaning system 346, 498
Washer fluid 662, 668
Headlamps
Automatic control 343
Automatic headlamp mode 255
Cleaning lenses 537
Cleaning system 498
Manual headlamp mode 255
Messages in display 595
Refilling washer fluid 499
Headliner and shelf below rear window,
Cleaning and care of 542Heated seats* 322
Heated steering wheel* 331
Height adjustments
Vehicle level (ABC*) 403
High beam
Replacing bulbs 622
High beam flasher 347
High beam headlamps
Switching on 346
High mounted brake lamp 622
Hood 492
Message in display 591
Opening 492
Horn 27
Hydroplaning 483
I
Identification labels 652
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) 652
Ignition 315, 317
Switching on 315
Switching on, KEYLESS-GO* 317
Immobilizer 75
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Individualization
Voice Control* 302
693 Index
Power folding exterior rear view
mirrors 333
Power outlet 458
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 441
Emergency operations 617
Opening/closing 441
Opening/closing in an
emergency 617
Synchronizing 442
Power train 676
Power washer 535
Power windows 353
Blocking of rear window operation 67
Cleaning 540
Opening/closing 353
Practical hints 557, 611
Premium unleaded gasoline 490, 662,
664
PRE-SAFE
®
60
Message in display 567
Messages in display 572
Preventive occupant safety see PRE-SAFE
®
Problems
While driving 362
With vehicle 20
Product information 13Production options weight 527
Program mode see Automatic transmis-
sion, Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch 676
Automatic shift program 374
Proper use of the vehicle 19
PSI 527
Push-start see Tow-start
R
Radio
FM/AM operation (COMAND) 93
Saving stations, FM/AM
(COMAND) 96
Selecting satellite radio* channel (In-
strument cluster control
system) 248
Selecting stations 248
Submenu overview, FM/AM
(COMAND) 93
Switching wavebands, FM/AM
(COMAND) 94
Tuning in stations/channels 94
Voice Control* 282
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 486Range (distance to empty) 246
Reading lamps in the front 349
Reading lamps in the rear 350
Rear door window
Blocking operation 67
Rear fog lamp
Replacing bulbs 622
Rear lamps see Tail lamps
Rear passenger compartment
Adjustable air vents 434
Rear seats
Adjustment 318
Folding back and placing upright rear
head restraints 325
Head restraints 324
Heating* 322
Multicontour* 327
Setting front passenger seat position
from rear 321
Ventilation* 323
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 430
Activating 430
Deactivating 430
Recommended inflation pressure 527,
676