2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class brake

735 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting should only be performed on
the starter battery. The starter battery is
located in the engine compartment on the
passenger side (
page 731).

Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.

Secure vehicle in place with electronic
parking brake (
page 422).

Shift the automatic transmission to
park positionP (
page 426).

Turn off all electrical consumers, ex-
cept hazard warning flashers or work
lights.

Open the hood (
page 573).

Start the engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.1Positive terminal of your vehicle’s
battery
2Positive terminal of other vehicle’s
battery
3Negative terminal of other vehicle’s
battery
4Negative clamp
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 729).
i
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: remove the
KEYLESS-GO button (
page 371) and use the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO like a normal
SmartKey.


738 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleTowing with front wheels raised

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: Remove
the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
from the starter switch (
page 371).

Insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch.

Switch on the ignition.

Switch off the automatic central lock-
ing (
page 267).

Depress the brake pedal.

Shift the automatic transmission to
neutral positionN.

If engaged, manually release the
electronic parking brake.

Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so could
damage the transfer case, which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground. Observe
instructions for towing the vehicle with all
wheels on the ground (
page 739).
Warning!
G
When leaving the SmartKey or SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter switch, do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle.
It is possible for children to switch on the
ignition which could result in unsupervised
use of vehicle equipment. Unsupervised use
of vehicle equipment could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
!
Keep in mind that it is important for the
SmartKey to be left in starter switch with the ig-
nition switched off. As soon as the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch the automatic
transmission will shift to park positionP.
!
Make sure that the ignition is switched off.
If the starter switch is in position2, active brak-
ing action through the ESP
® may otherwise seri-
ously damage the brake system.
!
The vehicle may be towed only for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h).

739 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing with all wheels on the ground

Switch on the ignition.

Shift the automatic transmission to
neutral positionN.

If engaged, manually release the
electronic parking brake.
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
system


there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain the SmartKey is in
starter switch position2.
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.
!
Keep in mind that it is important to have the
ignition switched on. As soon as the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch or the SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* is removed from the vehicle,
the automatic transmission will shift to park
positionP.
!
The vehicle may be towed only for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i
To signal turns while being towed with the
hazard warning flasher in use, the ignition must
be switched on. You can then 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.

742 Practical hintsFusesBefore replacing fuses:
Engage the electronic parking brake
(page 422).

Make sure the automatic transmission
is set to park positionP (
page 426).
The gear position indicator in the multi-
function display should be on park po-
sition P.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Turn off the engine (
page 424).

Switch off the vehicle’s internal electri-
cal functions (
page 732).
Fuse boxes in engine compartment
Open the hood (
page 573).
Box on the driver’s side
Example illustration from S 55014 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.

766 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Rear axle
S63 AMG
1.27 US qt. (1.2 l)
Fuchs Titan EG 5010 D
S65 AMG
1.69 US qt. (1.6 l)
Hydraulic system ABC*
All models ex-
cept vehicles
with 4MATIC
4.2 US qt. (4.0 l)
MB ABC Fluid
Power steering
S 450 4MATIC
1
S 550
S 550 4MATIC
approx. 1.06 US qt. (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid
(Chevron Texaco PSF 9109)
1
1For detailed information, please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
S600
approx. 1.27 US qt. (1.2 l)
S63 AMG
approx. 1.06 US qt. (1.0 l)
S65 AMG
approx. 1.27 US qt. (1.2 l)
Front wheel hubs
All models ex-
cept vehicles
with 4MATIC
2
2Vehicles with 4MATIC: All wheel hubs have a lifelong greasing and therefore do not need to be greased.
approx. 3.6 oz. (95 g) each
High-temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
All models
approx. 0.63 US qt. (0.6 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)

769 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System. For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Engine oil additivesAir conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Any au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.
!
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or chang-
ing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer
than those called for by the Maintenance System
will result in engine or emission control system
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System recommen-
dations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to do
so will result in engine or emission control sys-
tem damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
!
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or mal-
functions resulting from blending oil additives
are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the system
will occur.
Warning!
G
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating condi-
tions, this moisture content can lead to the
formation of bubbles in the system, thus re-
ducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Mainte-
nance Booklet for replacement interval.

775 Index
A
ABC* 470
Messages in display 660
Setting vehicle level 471
ABS 67
Indicator lamp 29, 67, 628
Messages in display 662
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 433
Accessory weight 606
Accident 421
Active headlamps 399
Adaptive Brake Lights
(S 600, USA only) 69
Adaptive Damping System
(Airmatic) 468
Additional turn signals 715
Address book (COMAND) 167
Calling up 168
Changing an entry 174
Creating an entry 168
Deleting an entry 175
Details about an entry 172
Displaying details about an entry in
the phone book on the mobile
phone 173Importing data 179
Making a call 176
Menu overview 167
Searching for an entry 170
Starting route guidance 176
Voice entry 177
Address book (Voice Control) 330
ADS (Airmatic) 468
Advanced Parking Guidance* 481
Air bags 42
Children 58
Front 46
Front passenger front air bag
indicator lamp 51
OCS 47
Safety guidelines 44
Side impact 46
Window curtain 46, 47
Air conditioning, Refrigerant 768, 769
Air distribution
Adjusting 510
Adjusting (COMAND) 275
Air pressure 606
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 506
Air vents 500Air volume
Adjusting 504, 510
Adjusting (COMAND) 275
Airmatic 468
Messages in display 676
Setting vehicle level 469
Alarm
Audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps (Panic alarm) 66
Alarm system see Anti-theft alarm system
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 705, 726
Ambient lighting
COMAND menu 269
AMG menu (Control system
instrument cluster) 296
AMG vehicles
Manual shift program mode 440
Antiglare
Rear view mirrors 390
Anti-theft systems 82
Alarm, visual and audible 82
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Immobilizer 82
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 527, 528
Ashtrays 536

777 Index
B
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs 715
Bar 606
BAS 69
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 366
Replacing 712
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking battery condition 366
Replacing 712
Batteries, vehicle 729
Charging 732
Discharged, Jump starting 734
Disconnecting 731
For electrical consumers 729
For starter 729
Message in display 678
Reconnecting 733
Removing 732
Bead 606
Beverage holder see Cupholder
Blind Spot Assist* 495
Messages in display 654
Bluetooth
®
Settings (COMAND) 180Brake assist system (BAS Plus) 70
Brake assist system (BAS) 69
Brake fluid 572, 766, 769
Brake lamp bulbs 715
Brake lamp, high mounted 715
Brake pads
Message in display 666
Brake warning lamp 29
Brakes 560
High-performance brake system
(AMG vehicles only) 561
Warning lamp 29, 629
Break-in period 558
Bulbs, replacing 714
Additional turn signals 715
Brake lamps 715
Fog lamps 715
Front lamps 715
High beam 715
High mounted brake lamp 715
License plate lamps 715
Low beam 715
Parking and standing lamps 715
Rear fog lamp 715
Turn signal lamps 715C
California retail buyers and lessees,
important notice for 15
Can holder see Cupholder
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 764
Cargo area see Trunk
Cargo tie-down hooks 532
Carpets, Cleaning and care of 624
Catalytic converter 568
CD
Ejecting (COMAND) 122
Loading (COMAND) 120
Menu overview (COMAND) 123
Playback options (COMAND) 128
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 126
Selecting a track (COMAND) 126
CD (COMAND) 116
Central locking
Automatic 368
Locking/unlocking from inside 369
Central locking/unlocking switches 369
Certification label 748
Change of address or ownership 16