2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class ABS

663 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
ABS and ESP
Currently Unavailable
See Oper. Manual
ABS, ESP
® as well as PRE-SAFE
® are not
available due to a malfunction. BAS is also
switched off. It is possible that the self-diag-
nostics have not yet been completed.
The brake system still functions normally.
BAS Plus* and PRE-SAFE
® Brake* are also
not available.

Drive a short distance with gentle turns
above a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h).
The message disappears when ABS and ESP
®
are again available.
The ABS, ESP
® as well as PRE-SAFE
® were
deactivated because of insufficient power
supply. The charging voltage has fallen be-
low 10 volts.
The brake system still functions normally
but without the ABS, ESP
® and PRE-SAFE
®
available.
BAS Plus* and PRE-SAFE
® Brake* are also
not available.
When the voltage is above this value again, the
ABS, ESP
® and PRE-SAFE
® are operational again
and the message in the multifunction display
should disappear.
If the message in the multifunction display does
not disappear:

Have the generator (alternator) and the bat-
tery checked.

665 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Brake Immediately
A malfunction has occurred while
DISTRONIC Plus* was switched on.

While observing surrounding traffic condi-
tions and when it is safe, immediately de-
press the brake pedal firmly until the warning
message disappears.

Engage the electronic parking brake
(page 422).
(USA only)(Canada only)
EBR, ABS and ESP
Inoperative
See Oper. Manual
ESP
®, EBP and ABS are switched off due to
a malfunction. BAS is also switched off. As
a result, PRE-SAFE
® is also inoperative.
BAS Plus* and PRE-SAFE
® Brake* are also
not available.

Continue driving with added caution.

Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the
risk of an accident.
(USA only)(Canada only)

673 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Turn On the Ignition
to Release the
Parking Brake
The yellow indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake comes on.
You have tried to release the electronic
parking brake, but the ignition was not
switched on.

Switch on the ignition (
page 370).
(USA only)(Canada only)
Inoperative
See Oper. Manual
ESP
® as well as PRE-SAFE
® are switched off
due to a malfunction. In addition, the v
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on.
The ABS may not be operational and the fol-
lowing systems are not available:


BAS and BAS Plus*


PRE-SAFE
® Brake*


Distronic Plus*


Cruise control


Hill start assist system

Continue driving with added caution.

Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the
risk of an accident.

707 Practical hints
Where will I find ...?
Minispare wheel
The Minispare wheel is stored in the com-
partment underneath the trunk floor.
1Minispare wheel with spare wheel bolts
in container on wheel rim
2Luggage bowl
3Vehicle tool kit, jack and collapsible
wheel chock
Removing the Minispare wheel
Turn luggage bowl2 counterclock-
wise.

Remove Minispare wheel1.Setting up the collapsible wheel chock
The collapsible wheel chock serves to
additionally secure the vehicle, e.g. while
changing the wheel.
1Tilt the plates upward
2Fold the lower plate outward
3Insert the plate

Tilt both plates upward1.

Fold the lower plate outward2.

Guide the tabs of the lower plate all the
way into the openings of the base
plate3.
For information on where to place wheel
chocks when changing a wheel, see “Lift-
ing the vehicle” (
page 724).

754 Technical dataRims and tires!
Only use tires which have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Tires approved by
Mercedes-Benz are developed to provide best
possible performance in conjunction with the
driving safety systems on your vehicle such as
ABS or ESP
®. Tires specially developed for your
vehicle and tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be identified by finding the
following on the tire’s sidewall:


MO = M
ercedes-Benz O
riginal equipment
tires
AMG vehicles:
Does not apply to all approved tires on AMG
vehicles. For information on tested and
approved tires for AMG vehicles, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental effects,
such as


poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit dimen-
sional variations and different tire deformation
characteristics that could cause them to come
into contact with the vehicle body or axle parts.
Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be the
result.
i
Further information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. A placard with the recommended tire in-
flation pressures is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar (
page 585). Some vehicles may have
supplemental tire inflation pressure information
for driving at high speeds (
page 591) or for ve-
hicle loads less than the maximum loaded
vehicle condition (
page 598). If such informa-
tion is provided, it can be found on the placard lo-
cated on the inside of the fuel filler flap. The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly and should only be adjusted on cold
tires. Follow tire manufacturer’s maintenance
recommendation included with vehicle.
i
The following pages also list the approved
wheel rim and tire sizes for equipping your vehi-
cles with winter tires. Winter tires are not avail-
able as standard or optional factory equipment,
but can be purchased from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the standard or
optional factory-equipped wheel rim/tire config-
uration on your vehicle (Appearance Package,
Sport Package etc.), equipping your vehicle with
winter tires approved for your vehicle model may
also require the purchase of two or four wheel
rims of the recommended size for use with these
winter tires. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for more information.

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

780 Index
Intermittent signal tone 454
Lever 457
Menu 455
Messages in display 646
Sensor cover 619
Setting a higher speed 461
Setting a slower speed 462
Setting following distance 464
Setting the current speed 460
Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function) 463
Warning and indicator lamps 454
Document holder 534
Door
Control panel 34, 35, 38
Entry lamps 407
Inside door handle 367
Locking 360, 365
Locking with Tele Aid 550
Messages in display 648, 682
Opening from inside vehicle 367
Opening from outside 360, 364
Power closing assist 368
Unlocking 359, 364
Unlocking with Tele Aid 549DOT 607
Downhill driving
Cruise control 448
Drink holder see Cupholder
Drinking and driving 559
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats*, front
Adjusting (COMAND) 285
Driving 416
Abroad 567
Hydroplaning 563
In winter 565
Instructions 416, 559
Problems 420
Safety systems 67
Through standing water 566
With DISTRONIC Plus* 465
Driving maneuver (COMAND) 237
Driving off 562
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 76
ABS 67
Adaptive Brake Lights
(S 600, USA only) 69
BAS 69
BAS Plus 70EBP 72
Electronic traction system 73
ESP
®
72
Driving systems 446
ABC* 470
Advanced Parking Guidance* 481
Airmatic 468
Cruise control 446
DISTRONIC Plus* 451
Driving safety systems 67
Park Assist* 476
Parktronic system* 472
Rear View Camera* 487
Vehicle level control (ABC*) 471
Vehicle level control (Airmatic) 469
Driving tips 433
Kickdown 433
DVD 116
Audio (COMAND) 116
Changer (COMAND) 120
Changer (Voice Control) 338
Ejecting (COMAND) 122
Loading (COMAND) 120
Playback options (COMAND) 128
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 126
Selecting a track (COMAND) 126