2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Cargo

59 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
All lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s
seat belt have special seat belt retractors
for secure fastening of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow child
restraint instructions for mounting. Then
pull the shoulder belt out completely and
let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a
ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is acti-
vated. The seat belt is now locked. Push
down on child restraint to take up any
slack.To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and
let seat belt retract completely. To deacti-
vate the special seat belt retractor for the
front passenger seat, the front passenger
seat must be in the most backward posi-
tion. The seat belt can again be used in the
usual manner.
The use of infant or child restraints is re-
quired by law in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Ca-
nadian provinces.
Warning!
G
Do not leave children unattended in the ve-
hicle, even if they are secured in a child re-
straint system. The children could

injure themselves on parts of the vehicle


be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or
cold
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.
If children open a door, they could


injure other persons


get out of the car and injure themselves
or be injured by following traffic
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of

strong braking maneuvers


sudden changes of direction


an accident
Warning!
G
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat
belt retractor will be deactivated.i
Information on child seats with mounting fit-
tings for tether anchorages (
page 62).
For information on LATCH-type child seat
mounts (
page 63).

143 Control systems
COMAND telephone*
Functional restrictions
You will not be able to use the telephone,
or you may have to wait a while, in the fol-
lowing situations:

If the telephone has not yet logged into
the network.
The telephone automatically tries to
log into a network. If no network is
available, you will also not be able to
make a “911” emergency call.
If you attempt to make an outgoing call,
the “No Service” message will appear
for a short while.


If the mobile phone is not inserted in
the cradle.


SIM card is not inserted in GSM type
phone.Notes about COMAND telephone fea-
tures using a Bluetooth
® connection
Many of the Mercedes-Benz approved mo-
bile phones, cradles and adaptors avail-
able for use in your vehicle utilize
Bluetooth
® technology to communicate
with each other and the vehicle. Depend-
ing on your phone brand and model, the
number of in-vehicle or on-display
COMAND telephone features supported
via Bluetooth® communication, and thus
available for your use, may vary.
The descriptions and illustrations in this
section are based on the use of fully com-
patible Mercedes-Benz approved mobile
phones and cradles that do not utilize Blue-
tooth
® technology to communicate with
each other. If your vehicle is equipped with
integrated Bluetooth
® functionality than a
Bluetooth
® capable mobile phone, head-
set, Laptop, PDA, etc. is required to utilize
those features.For additional information about
Mercedes-Benz approved Bluetooth
® mo-
bile phones and related accessories please
contact the Mercedes-Benz Customer As-
sistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
or your nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Switching telephone on or off
Switching on: Insert mobile phone
into cradle when COMAND is switched
on.
or

Switch on the mobile phone
(see mobile phone operating instruc-
tions).

Switching off: Select “Telephone”

“Telephone”
“Telephone OFF”.
or

Switch off mobile phone (see mobile
phone operating instructions).
i
The roof cargo container* may impair mo-
bile phone reception. In an emergency, remove
the mobile phone from the mobile phone cradle
(
page 539) to make a call.

145 Control systems
COMAND telephone*
“911” emergency call
The following conditions must be fulfilled
in order to make a “911” emergency call:

The phone is switched on.


A mobile network is available.


There is a valid SIM card in the phone
(not necessary in all mobile networks).
If you cannot make an emergency call, you
must initiate rescue measures yourself.
The “911” emergency call is a public ser-
vice. Any misuse is punishable by law.Placing a “911” emergency call before
entering PIN/PIN2, PUK/PUK2 or un-
lock code
Entering the number using the COMAND
controller

Select “Telephone”
“Dial 911”.
Entering the number using the tele-
phone keypad

Enter digits 9-1-1 (
page 144).

Press s.Placing a “911” emergency call after
entering PIN/PIN2, PUK/PUK2 or un-
lock code
Entering the number using the COMAND
controller

Select “Telephone”.

Select all the digits in sequence.

Select “S”.
Entering the number using the tele-
phone keypad

Enter digits 9-1-1 (
page 144).

Press s.
i
The “911” emergency call system is a public
service. Using it without due cause is a criminal
offense.
i
This function places a call to the local 911
provider. It does not initiate a Tele Aid call.
i
If no SIM card is inserted in the mobile
phone, you can only initiate a “911” emergency
call by using COMAND and the mobile phone.
i
The roof cargo container* may impair mo-
bile phone reception. In an emergency, remove
the mobile phone from the mobile phone cradle
(
page 539) to make a call.

192 Control systemsCOMAND navigation (introduction)General notes
Operational readiness of the navigation
system following a system software
update by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center
After a system software update by an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center, the in-
stalled map software may no longer be
compatible. If this is the case, the naviga-
tion system will not be operational.
You will know if this is the case, when the
following message will appear when you
switch to navigation mode: “The system
software has been updated. The map soft-
ware must be updated now. Please insert
the DVD with the map software.”
Updating map software: Proceed as
described in the “Updating the map
software” section (
page 188). Use
map software which is compatible with
the system software.Initial use or use following a system
software update
In both these cases, the navigation system
must determine the position of the vehicle.
You may have to drive for a while before
precise route guidance is possible.
GPS reception
Correct functioning of the navigation sys-
tem depends on GPS reception, among
other things. In certain situations, GPS re-
ception may be impaired, there may be in-
terference or there may be no reception at
all, e.g. in tunnels, in multistory parking ga-
rage or due to snow on the GPS antenna. If
there is snow on the GPS antenna, you
should remove it. The GPS antenna is at
the back of the vehicle roof.The roof cargo container* may also impair
mobile phone reception and GPS cover-
age.
Route guidance after vehicle transpor-
tation
COMAND has to redetermine the position
of the vehicle if the vehicle has been trans-
ported (e.g. by ferry, by train or after tow-
ing).
Positioning takes place automatically even
when COMAND is switched off. The dura-
tion varies from one case to another.
Route guidance may be restricted as fol-
lows during vehicle positioning:


Navigation announcements, route
guidance displays and displayed street
names are not consistent with the ac-
tual location of the vehicle.


COMAND does not generate navigation
announcements.
i
Please note that the update must be allowed
to run to the end in this case. If you interrupt it,
the navigation system will continue to be non-op-
erational.

300 Control systemsInstrument cluster control system
Logging-on to a network
Switch on the telephone and COMAND
(page 87).

Press ( or & to select the “Tele-
phone” menu.
Which messages appear in the multifunc-
tion display depends on whether your tele-
phone is switched on or off.


If the telephone is off, the message in
the multifunction display is: “Telephone
OFF”.


If the telephone is not inserted in the
cradle, the message in the multifunc-
tion display is: “No telephone insert-
ed.”.


If the PIN or unlock code is not yet en-
tered, the message in the multifunction
display is “Please enter PIN” or “Enter
unlock code”.


If the telephone is switched on, the
telephone will then search for a net-
work. During this time, the multifunc-
tion display is blank. If no network
available, the multifunction display
reads “No Service”.


If the telephone is on, as soon as the
telephone has found a network,
“Ready” or “Ready (Roaming)” appears
in the multifunction display.
Otherwise, you may not be able to observe
traffic conditions and could endanger your-
self and others.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approxima-
tely 14 m) every second.Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
i
Various mobile phone cradles can be in-
stalled in the front center armrest, see separate
installation instructions for the mobile phone
cradle. These mobile phone cradles can be ob-
tained from an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter. For more information about telephone
(
page 539).
i
The roof cargo container* may impair mo-
bile phone reception. In an emergency, remove
the mobile phone from the mobile phone cradle
(
page 539) to make a call.


313 Control systems
Voice Control telephone
Voice Control telephone
Telephone operation
The Voice Control System gives you the
following capabilities:

Enter a telephone unlock code


Dial a phone number by speaking the
telephone number


Store names and numbers in the
COMAND address book


Dial a phone number by speaking the
name of an COMAND address book en-
try


Delete an address book entry from the
address book


Have the system read out the phone
book of the address book entry by en-
try


Manage and access an automated an-
swering system/voice mail box


Redial names and numbers
Warning!
G
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a cellular telephone while driving.
Whether or not prohibited by law, for safety
reasons, the driver should not use the cellu-
lar telephone while the vehicle is in motion.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location before
placing or answering a call.
If you nonetheless choose to use the mobile
phone while driving, please use the hands-
free feature and be sure to pay attention to
the traffic situation at all times. Use the mo-
bile phone only when road, weather and traf-
fic conditions permit. Otherwise, you may
not be able to observe traffic conditions and
could endanger yourself and others.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approxima-
tely 14 m) every second.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.i
Various mobile phone cradles can be in-
stalled in the front center armrest, see separate
installation instructions for the mobile phone
cradle. These mobile phone cradles can be ob-
tained from an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter. For more information about telephone
(
page 539).
i
The roof cargo container* may impair mo-
bile phone reception. In an emergency, remove
the mobile phone from the mobile phone cradle
(
page 539) to make a call.

525 Controls in detail
Loading and storing
Loading and storing
Roof rack*

Flip the covers upward.

Only attach the roof-rack system to the
anchorage points under the covers.
Observe manufacturer’s instructions
for installation.
Loading instructions
The total load weight including vehicle oc-
cupants and luggage/cargo should not
exceed the load limit as indicated on the
corresponding placard located on the driv-
er’s door B-pillar (
page 585).
Warning!
G
Only use roof racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to
avoid damage to the vehicle.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicles without the roof rack loaded.
!
Load the roof rack in such a way that the ve-
hicle cannot be damaged while driving.
Make sure


you can fully raise tilt/sliding sunroof or the
panorama roof with tilt/sliding panel*


you can fully open the trunk
Warning!
G
Always fasten items being carried as secure-
ly as possible using cargo tie-down hooks
and fastening materials appropriate for the
weight and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle and can cause in-
jury to vehicle occupants unless the items
are securely fastened in the vehicle.


526 Controls in detailLoading and storing
Storage compartments Storage compartments in the front pas-
senger compartment
Glove box
The glove box can be unlocked and locked
with the mechanical key (
page 708).

Opening: Press glove box lid
release1.

Closing: Push the lid up.
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when transporting cargo. Put luggage or car-
go in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backs. Do not place anything on the
rear-window shelf.
Never drive vehicle with trunk open. Deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter ve-
hicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.
Warning!
G
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when storing objects in the vehicle. Put lug-
gage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not
pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat
backs.
Parcel nets cannot secure hard or heavy ob-
jects.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during

braking


vehicle maneuvers or


an accident.
i
An overview of the storage compartments
can be found on (
page 36).
1
Glove box lid release
2
Unlocking glove box
3
Locking glove box