2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class technical data

589 Operation
Tires and wheels
Certification label
Even after careful determination of the
combined weight of all occupants, cargo
and the trailer tongue load (if applicable)
(page 589) as to not exceed the permis-
sible load limit, you must make sure that
your vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehi-
cle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the
front or rear axle. You can obtain the
GVWR and GAWR from the certification la-
bel. The certification label can be found on
the driver’s door B-pillar, see “Technical
data” (
page 748).Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The
total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all cargo, and the trailer tongue load
(
page 589) must never exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The to-
tal allowable weight that can be carried by
a single axle (front or rear).
To assure that your vehicle does not ex-
ceed the maximum permissible weight
limits (GVWR and GAWR for front and rear
axle), have the loaded vehicle (including
driver, passengers and all cargo and, if ap-
plicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a
suitable commercial scale.Trailer tongue load
The tongue load of any trailer is an impor-
tant weight to measure because it affects
the load you can carry in your vehicle. If a
trailer is towed, the tongue load must be
added to the weight of all occupants riding
and any cargo you are carrying in the
vehicle. The tongue load typically is 10% of
the trailer weight and everything loaded in
it.
Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and their
cargo. Mercedes-Benz does not recom-
mend trailer towing with your vehicle.

611 Operation
Winter driving
Snow chainsSnow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(page 754).


Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
be glad to advise you on this subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.


Do not use snow chains on the spare
wheel (
page 754).
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.!
When driving with snow chains, always se-
lect the raised level of the level control system
Airmatic (
page 468) or ABC* (
page 471).
Other settings may result in damage to your
vehicle.
!
Even on vehicles with all-wheel-drive, use
snow chains on rear tires only.
Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clearance
for snow chains. To help avoid serious damage to
your vehicle or tires, make sure that the use of
snow chains is permissible as specified in the
“Technical data” section of this Operator’s
Manual, see “Rims and tires” (
page 754).
!
If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle
components. The tires or the vehicle could be
damaged as a result.
i
All models except S 63 AMG:
When driving with snow chains, you may wish to
switch off the ESP
® (page 74) before setting
the vehicle in motion. This will improve the
vehicle’s traction.
i
S 63 AMG:
Do not switch off the ESP
® when driving in snow
or with snow chains mounted.

745 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.

746 Technical dataThe “Technical data” section provides the
necessary technical data for your vehicle.Parts service
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers
maintain a stock of Genuine
Mercedes-Benz Parts required for mainte-
nance and repair work. In addition, strate-
gically located parts distribution centers
provide quick and reliable parts service.
More than 300 000 different parts for
Mercedes-Benz models are available.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts are subject-
ed to stringent quality inspections. Each
part has been specifically developed, man-
ufactured or selected for and adapted to
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
should be installed.
!
The use of non-genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts and accessories not authorized by
Mercedes-Benz could damage the vehicle, which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty, or could compromise the vehicle’s du-
rability or safety.

747 Technical data
Warranty coverage
Warranty coverage
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of
the warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will exchange
or repair any defective parts originally in-
stalled on the vehicle in accordance with
the terms of the following warranties:

New Vehicle Limited Warranty


Emission System Warranty


Emission Performance Warranty


California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont Emission Control Systems
WarrantyReplacement parts and accessories are
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and
Accessories warranties, copies of which
are available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
Should you lose your Service and Warranty
Information booklet, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a re-
placement. It will be mailed to you.

748 Technical dataIdentification labels1Certification label (on driver’s B-pillar)
The V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber (VIN)
can be found in the following locations:


on the certification label


embossed underneath a cover in the
rear center armrest


on the lower edge of the windshield
Example certification label (U.S. vehicles)2VIN
3Paintwork code
Example certification label
(Canada vehicles)2VIN
3Paintwork codei
Data shown on certification label are for il-
lustration purposes only. These data are specific
to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in
the illustration. Refer to certification label on ve-
hicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

749 Technical data
Identification labels
4VIN
Fold down rear center armrest.
VIN 4 is underneath a cover in the
center armrest.
Example illustration
(all models except S 63 AMG and
S65AMG)5Engine number (engraved on engine)
6VIN (lower edge of windshield)
7Emission control information label,
includes both federal and California
certification exhaust emission
standards
S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG5Engine number (engraved on engine)
6VIN (lower edge of windshield)
7Emission control information label,
includes both federal and California
certification exhaust emission
standards
i
When ordering parts, please specify vehicle
identification and engine numbers.

750 Technical dataLayout of poly-V-belt driveS 450 4MATIC
1, S 550 and
S 550 4MATIC
1Idler pulley
2Idler pulley
3Automatic belt tensioner
4Pump for power-steering assistance
Vehicles with ABC*: ABC* tandem
pump (pump for power-steering assis-
tance and ABC* chassis)
5Air conditioning compressor
6Crankshaft
7Coolant pump
8Generator (alternator)
S63 AMG
1Idler pulley
2Idler pulley
3Idler pulley
4Automatic belt tensioner
5Pump for power-steering assistance
6Air conditioning compressor
7Crankshaft
8Coolant pump
9Generator (alternator)
S 600 and S 65 AMG
1Automatic belt tensioner
2ABC tandem pump (pump for
power-steering assistance and ABC
chassis)
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley
8Idler pulley
9Idler pulley
1Canada only