2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class roof rack

Contents
Parktronic system* ...................... 472
Park Assist* ................................. 476
Advanced Parking Guidance*....... 481
Rear View Camera*...................... 487
Night View Assist* ....................... 491
Blind Spot Assist* ........................ 495
Air vents ............................................ 498
Opening and closing air vents ...... 500
Ventilated storage compartment
(Canada only) ............................... 500
Automatic climate control ................. 501
Deactivating climate
control system ............................. 503
Operating climate control system
in automatic mode ....................... 503
Setting temperature ..................... 504
Adjusting air volume .................... 504
Front defroster ............................. 504
Rear window defroster ................. 506
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL
(USA only) .................................... 506
Air recirculation mode.................. 506
Residual engine heat and
ventilation .................................... 509
Rear passenger compartment
climate control* ........................... 509Trunk .................................................. 511
Opening trunk ............................... 511
Closing trunk ................................ 512
Trunk emergency release.............. 516
Valet locking ................................. 517
Power tilt/sliding sunroof................... 518
Opening and closing
power tilt/sliding sunroof ............. 518
Synchronizing ............................... 520
Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel* ............................... 521
Roller sunblinds ............................ 521
Opening and closing panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel.. 522
Synchronizing ............................... 524
Loading and storing ............................ 525
Roof rack* .................................... 525
Loading instructions ..................... 525
Storage compartments ................. 526
Cupholders ................................... 530
Trunk ............................................ 532
Useful features ................................... 534
Sun visors ..................................... 534
Vanity mirror in rear...................... 534
Rear window sunshade ................. 535
Ashtrays........................................ 536Cigarette lighters .......................... 537
Power outlet ................................. 538
Floormats* ................................... 538
Telephone* ................................... 539
Tele Aid ......................................... 542
Garage door opener ...................... 551
Infrared reflecting windshield ....... 556
Operation.......................................... 557
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......... 558
Driving instructions ............................ 559
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 559
Drinking and driving...................... 559
Pedals ........................................... 559
Power assistance .......................... 559
Brakes .......................................... 560
Driving off ..................................... 562
Parking ......................................... 562
Tires.............................................. 563
Hydroplaning ................................ 563
Tire traction .................................. 564
Tire speed rating ........................... 564
Winter driving instructions ............ 565
Standing water ............................. 566
Passenger compartment............... 567

512 Controls in detailTrunkVehicles with trunk opening/closing
system*
1Remote trunk opening/closing* switch
Press and hold switch1 until the
trunk is opened.
The indicator lamp in switch1 comes
on and remains lit until the trunk is
closed.
To interrupt the opening procedure:

Release switch1.Trunk opening-height restriction*
Vehicles with trunk opening/closing sys-
tem*:
The trunk lid opening height can be limited
when transporting goods on a roof rack
(e.g. presence of an optional MB sport lug-
gage container). When activated, the trunk
opens to approximately the height of the
roof edge.

Activate the limiting opening height of
trunk lid using the COMAND system
(page 272).
Closing trunki
Do not place the SmartKey in the open
trunk. You may lock yourself out.
i
If the vehicle was previously centrally
locked, the trunk will lock automatically after
closing it. All turn signal lamps flash three times
to confirm locking.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: To prevent a possi-
ble inadvertent lockout, the trunk will open auto-
matically if a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is
recognized inside the vehicle or in the trunk.

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.


559 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended tire
inflation pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance System. Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips, and in hilly area.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!
G
Make sure that absolutely no objects are ob-
structing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta-
cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure the pedals still have
sufficient clearance. Otherwise this could
lead to accidents or injury.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.

607 Operation
Tires and wheels
DOT (D
epartment o
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.GVWR (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passen-
gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on certi-
fication label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 psi; another
metric unit for air pressure is bars. There
are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit, and production options
weight.Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.

623 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning
Fold the wiper arms forward until they
snap into place.

Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.

Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild win-
dow cleaning solution on all outside
and inside glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.Cleaning the panorama roof with
tilt/sliding panel*
The rear part of the tilt/sliding panel has a
protective layer on the inside.

Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild
window cleaning solution.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.

Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the
vehicle’s on-board electronics have
status0) before cleaning the windshield
and/or the wiper blades. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and
cause injury.!
Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts. They
could tear.
!
Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto
the windshield before turning the SmartKey in
the starter switch or pressing the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*).
Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper arm
back. If released, the force of the impact from
the tensioning spring could crack the windshield.
!
To clean the window interior, do not use a
dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners con-
taining solvents. Do not touch the inside of the
front, rear or door windows with hard objects
such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may
damage the windows.
!
Do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents
or cleaners containing solvents. Do not touch
the protective layer with hard objects such as an
ice scraper or ring. Never apply strong force and
only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when clean-
ing the rear part of the tilt/sliding panel.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the pro-
tective layer.
!
Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid
may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.
!
The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after it has
been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims
have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner.
Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased
corrosion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Non-approved wheel cleaners may also damage
the wheel paint if the car is not driven after
cleaning.

791 Index
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 506
Activating 506
Deactivating 506
Recommended inflation pressure 608
Recovery services, Stolen vehicle
(Tele Aid) 550
Refrigerant, Air conditioning 768, 769
Refueling 570
Regular checks 572
Remote
Door lock with Tele Aid 550
Door unlock with Tele Aid 549
Trunk opening/closing* switch 511
Remote control, SmartKey 358
Remote control, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 361
Replacing
Bulbs 714
Front lamp bulbs 717
Rear lamp bulbs 715
Reporting safety defects 21
Reset (COMAND) 263
Residual engine heat and ventilation 509
Rest tool
Depository 710, 711Restraint systems
Messages in display 697
See Children in the vehicle
See SRS
Reverse gear position,
Automatic transmission 426, 430
Rims 608
And Tires 754
Tires and wheels 582
Roadside Assistance 15
Tele Aid 546
RON 571, 767
Roof rack* 525
Route guidance (COMAND) 237
Route guidance (Instrument cluster control
system) 292
Rubber parts, cleaning 624S
S63AMG
Manual shift program mode 440
S65AMG
Manual shift program mode 440
Safety
Driving safety systems 67
Occupant 40
Reporting defects 21
Safety belts see Seat belts
Satellite radio
Calling SIRIUS Service Center
(COMAND) 115
Channel update (COMAND) 115
Operation (COMAND) 108
Selecting channel (Instrument cluster
control system) 295
Selecting program category
(COMAND) 111
Showing program info
(COMAND) 115
Submenu overview (COMAND) 108
Tuning in channels (COMAND) 112,
114
Voice Control 335

796 IndexTrunk
Closing 511, 708
Closing trunk from inside 511
Closing trunk from outside 511
Emergency release 516
Lighting 407
Message in display 704
Opening from inside 511
Opening from outside 511
Opening-height restriction
(COMAND) 272
Power closing assist for trunk lid 368
Tie-down hooks 532
Unlocking in an emergency 708
Valet locking 517
Tumbler holder see Cupholder
Turn signal lamps
Cleaning lenses 619
Replacing bulbs 715
Turn signals 420
Additional in mirrors 715
Front bulbs 715
Indicator lamp 29
Rear bulbs 715U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards 609
Uphill driving
Cruise control 448
Upholstery
Cleaning 625
Useful features 534
V
Valet locking 517
Vanity mirrors
In the sun visor 534
Vehicle
Batteries 729
Breaking-in period 558
Care 615
Dimensions 762
Individual settings, control system in
instrument cluster 305
Locking/unlocking 358, 361
Locking/unlocking in an
emergency 708
Lowering 727
Menu (COMAND) 264Service battery 729
Towing 737
Washing 615, 617
Weights 763
Vehicle data recording 22
Vehicle jack 706, 724
Vehicle level
Changing (ABC*) 471
Changing (Airmatic) 469
Setting (ABC*) 471
Setting (Airmatic) 469
Setting, Automatic (ABC*) 471
Setting, Automatic (Airmatic) 469
Setting, Manual (ABC*) 471
Setting, Manual (Airmatic) 469
Vehicle level control (Airmatic) 469
Vehicle loading 525, 585
Cargo tie-down hooks 532
Instructions 525
Load limit 586
Roof rack* 525
Terminology 606
Vehicle maximum load on the tire 609
Vehicle Recovery services, Stolen
(Tele Aid) 550
Vehicle tool kit 705