2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class automatic transmission

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.

765 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter
S 450 4MATIC
1
S 550
S 550 4MATIC
1Canada only
8.98 US qt. (8.5 l)
Approved engine oils
S600
9.51 US qt. (9.0 l)
S63 AMG
9.25 US qt. (8.75 l)
S65 AMG
9.51 US qt. (9.0 l)
Automatic transmission
S 450 4MATIC
1
10.14 US qt. (9.6 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
S 550
10.36 US qt. (9.8 l)
S 550 4MATIC
10.14 US qt. (9.6 l)
S600
8.14 US qt. (7.7 l)
S63 AMG
9.25 US qt. (8.75 l)
S65 AMG
9.2 US qt. (8.7 l)
Rear axle
S 450 4MATIC
2
2Canada only
1.90 US qt. (1.8 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
S 550
1.27 US qt. (1.2 l)
S 550 4MATIC
1.90 US qt. (1.8 l)
S600
2.11 US qt. (2.0 l)

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

776 IndexAspect ratio 606
Audio (COMAND) 116
CD mode 124
DVD mode 124
MP3 mode 124
Audio (Control system
instrument cluster) 294
CD changer 295
CD/DVD changer 295
DVD changer 295
Audio AUX (COMAND) 129
Audio DVD
Fast forward/rewind (COMAND) 127
Menu overview (COMAND) 123
Pause function (COMAND) 125
Stop function (COMAND) 125
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 390
Automatic climate control 501
Adjusting air distribution
(COMAND) 275
Adjusting air flow from air vents
(COMAND) 279
Adjusting air volume (COMAND) 275
Adjusting the footwell temperature
(COMAND) 278Air recirculation mode 506
Central climate control menu
(COMAND) 276
Central menu for rear climate control*
(COMAND) 280
Defrosting 504
Operating the rear climate control*
from the front 279
Operating via COMAND 273
Rear window defroster 506
Selecting Mono mode
(COMAND) 277
Setting temperature (COMAND) 274
Setting the temperature 504
Setting the temperature in the rear
passenger compartment 510
Switching cooling on or off
(COMAND) 276
Automatic headlamp mode 306, 400
Automatic lighting control,
Interior lighting 406
Automatic locking when driving 368
Automatic shift program 436
Automatic transmission
Accelerator position 433
Automatic shift program 436Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 443
Fluid 765
Fluid level 578
Gear ranges 435
Gear selector lever 426
Gear shifting malfunctions 443
Hill start assist system 434
Kickdown 433
Kickdown, manual shift program
(AMG vehicles) 442
Manual shift program mode
(AMG vehicles) 440
Program mode selector switch 436
Shifting procedure 429
Starting the engine 416
Steering wheel gearshift control 438
Transmission fluid 578
Transmission positions 430
AUX
Audio 129
Video 130
AUX jacks 129

782 IndexExterior lighting
Delayed switch-off (COMAND) 264
Locator lighting (COMAND) 265
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 388
Auto-dimming on the
driver’s side 390
Fold in automatically when locking
(COMAND) 266
Lower mirror when reversing
(COMAND) 266
Power folding 389F
Favorite button 263
First aid kit 705
Flat tire 723
Jacking up the vehicle 724
Lowering the vehicle 727
Mounting the spare wheel 723
Preparing the vehicle 723
Floormats* 538
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid 765
Brake fluid 766, 769
Capacities 764
Engine coolant 579, 767, 771
Engine oil 578, 765, 769
Power steering fluid 766
Windshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system 768, 774
Fog lamps
Messages in display 690
Replacing bulbs 715
Four wheel electronic traction system with
ESP
® see 4MATIC
4MATIC 76
Front air bags 46Front lamps
Replacing bulbs 715, 717
Front lamps see headlamps
Front passenger front air bag 46
Messages in display 649
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 51, 640
Fuel 571, 767, 770
Additives 771
Capacity, Fuel tank 767
Filling the tank 570
Fuel filler flap and cap 570
Fuel reserve warning lamp 29
Gauge 29
Premium unleaded gasoline 571,
767, 770
Requirements, Octane rating 770
Fuel cap
Message in display 683
Fuel consumption statistics
Since last reset 291
Since start 291
Fuel filler flap 570
Locking/Unlocking 570

783 Index
Fuel tank
Capacity 767
Filler flap 570
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities 764
Fuses 741
Fuse box in engine compartment 742
Fuse box in passenger
compartment 743
Fuse boxes in dashboard 743
Fuse chart (vehicle tool kit) 705
Replacing 741G
Garage door opener 551
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR 607
Gear range
Automatic transmission 435
Limiting 435
Shifting into optimal 440
Gear selector lever 426
Gearshift pattern 426
Messages in display 648, 653, 657,
659, 704
Position 429
Shifting procedure 429
Transmission position 430
Glove box 526
Gloves, Vehicle tool kit 705
GPS
Reception (COMAND) 192
Tele Aid 543
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GVW 607
GVWR 607H
Hands-free microphone 33
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning 624
Hazard warning flasher 405
Head restraints 379
Adjustment 379
Folding back and placing upright rear
head restraints 380
Front seat 379
Luxury active head restraints
(S 600 only) 56
Rear seat 380
Resetting activated luxury active head
restraints (S 600 only) 710
Headlamp cleaning system 403, 580
Washer fluid 768, 774
Headlamps
Automatic headlamp mode 306, 400
Cleaning lenses 619
Cleaning system 580
Low beam 400
Manual headlamp mode 306
Messages in display 687
Refilling washer fluid 581
Headliner and shelf below rear window,
Cleaning and care of 624