2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class service

Our company and staff congratulate you
on the purchase of your new
Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demon-
stration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your de-
sire to own an automobile that will be as
easy as possible to operate and provide
years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef-
forts of many skilled engineers and crafts-
men. To help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passen-
gers, we ask you to make a small invest-
ment of time:


Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.


Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are de-
signed to acquaint you with the opera-
tion of your Mercedes-Benz.


Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and oc-
cupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles
of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents
Introduction....................................... 13
Product information ............................. 13
Operator’s Manual ............................... 14
Service and warranty information .. 14
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 15
Maintenance .................................. 15
Roadside Assistance ...................... 15
Change of address or ownership.... 16
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada............................... 16
Where to find it .................................... 17
Symbols ............................................... 18
Operating safety .................................. 19
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 19
Problems with your vehicle .................. 20
Reporting safety defects...................... 21
Reporting safety defects ................ 21
Vehicle data recording......................... 22
Information regarding electronic
recording devices........................... 22
At a glance.......................................... 23
Exterior view ......................................... 24
Cockpit ................................................. 26
Instrument cluster ................................ 28
Control systems ................................... 30
Center console ..................................... 32
Upper part ...................................... 32
Overhead control panel ........................ 33
Driver’s door control panel ................... 34
Rear door control panel ........................ 35
Storage compartments ......................... 36
Rear passenger compartment .............. 38Safety and Security............................ 39
Occupant safety ................................... 40
Air bags........................................... 42
Occupant Classification System ..... 47
Seat belts........................................ 52
Active head restraints ..................... 56
Preventive occupant safety
(PRE-SAFE
®).................................... 57
Children in the vehicle .................... 58
Override switch for rear passenger
compartment .................................. 64Panic alarm .......................................... 66
Activating........................................ 66
Deactivating.................................... 66
Driving safety systems ......................... 67
ABS ................................................. 67
Adaptive Brake ............................... 68
Adaptive Brake Lights
(S 600 and S 65 AMG, USA only).... 69
BAS ................................................. 69
BAS Plus* ....................................... 70
EBP ................................................. 72
ESP
®............................................... 72
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with the ESP
®..... 76
PRE-SAFE
® Brake* (vehicles with
DISTRONIC Plus* only) ................... 77
Anti-theft systems ................................ 82
Immobilizer ..................................... 82
Anti-theft alarm system .................. 82
Canceling the alarm ........................ 83

ContentsControl systems................................ 85
COMAND operating safety ................... 86
COMAND introduction ......................... 87
Availability of functions while the
vehicle is in motion ........................ 87
Switching COMAND on or off ......... 87
COMAND components ................... 87
Operating COMAND ....................... 92
Main menus of COMAND ............... 98
COMAND FM/AM radio ..................... 102
Submenu overview ....................... 102
Switching to radio mode .............. 103
Switching wavebands ................... 103
Selecting stations/channels ........ 103
Saving stations ............................. 106
Station name display .................... 107
COMAND satellite radio ..................... 108
Submenu overview ....................... 108
Introduction to satellite radio ....... 109
Switching to satellite radio ........... 109
Main satellite radio menu ............. 111
Selecting program category ......... 111
Tuning in channels ....................... 112
Saving channels ........................... 114
Show program info ....................... 115Channel update ............................ 115
Calling SIRIUS Service Center ...... 115
COMAND audio CD/
audio DVD/MP3 ................................ 116
Safety precautions ....................... 116
Notes about MP3 mode ............... 116
Notes about audio DVD operation 118
Notes about CDs/DVDs ............... 119
Notes about handling CDs/DVDs 120
Inserting CDs and DVDs............... 120
Inserting a PCMCIA card .............. 121
Ejecting CDs and DVDs ................ 122
Ejecting a PCMCIA card ............... 122
Submenu overview ....................... 123
Switching to audio CD,
audio DVD or MP3 mode.............. 124
Stop function ............................... 125
Pause function ............................. 125
Selecting CD/DVD/MP3 media ... 126
Selecting a track .......................... 126
Fast forward/rewind .................... 127
Selecting a folder ......................... 127
Setting the audio format .............. 128
Playback options .......................... 128
COMAND AUX ................................... 129
Audio and Video AUX jacks .......... 129Audio AUX.................................... 129
Video AUX .................................... 130
COMAND video DVD ......................... 132
Automatic picture fade-out .......... 132
Notes about video DVD operation 132
Notes about handling DVDs ......... 133
Functional limitations................... 133
Inserting or ejecting DVDs ........... 133
Submenu overview of video DVD . 134
Switching to video DVD mode...... 134
Hiding/showing the
DVD control menu ....................... 135
Hiding/showing the
menu system ............................... 135
Fast forward/rewind .................... 135
Selecting the DVD medium .......... 135
Stop playback .............................. 136
Pause playback ............................ 136
Selecting scene/chapter ............. 136
Selecting film/track ..................... 137
Screen settings ............................ 137
DVD menu.................................... 138
Stopping the film or skipping to
the beginning/end of a scene...... 138
Switching to the next highest
DVD menu level ........................... 139

Contents
Back to the film ............................ 139
Setting the language and
audio format ................................ 139
Subtitles and camera angles ........ 140
Interactive content ....................... 140
COMAND telephone* ........................ 141
Safety precautions ....................... 141
General notes............................... 141
Switching telephone on or off ...... 143
Activating telephone mode .......... 144
Telephone keypad ........................ 144
“911” emergency call................... 145
Entering the PIN ........................... 146
Entering the PIN2 ......................... 147
Entering the PUK/PUK2............... 147
Entering the unlock code ............. 147
Telephone submenu overview ...... 148
Main telephone menu .................. 149
Mailbox ........................................ 149
Call lists ....................................... 150
Incoming call ................................ 152
Making an outgoing call ............... 153
Functions during a single-call
connection ................................... 155
Transferring a call ........................ 157
COMAND phone book .................. 158COMAND address book ................ 167
Bluetooth
® settings....................... 180
SMS messages
(Short Message Service) ............... 183
COMAND navigation ........................... 187
Safety precautions ........................ 187
COMAND navigation (introduction) .... 188
Map software ................................ 188
Updating the map software........... 188
Updating process .......................... 188
Loading a DVD into the
DVD changer................................. 189
Updating ....................................... 190
General notes ............................... 192
Input restrictions .......................... 193
Navigation system menu overview 194
Calling up the map display and
switching to navigation mode ....... 195
Basic settings ............................... 198
COMAND navigation system
(entering a destination) ...................... 202
Entering a destination by the
address ......................................... 202
Entering a destination from the
destination memory ...................... 223Entering a destination from the
list of last destinations.................. 225
Entering a destination
from the map ................................ 225
Entering a stopover....................... 226
COMAND navigation system
(Point of interest entry) ...................... 229
Entering a POI in the
surrounding area .......................... 229
Entering a POI in the
surroundings of a given city .......... 229
Entering a POI in
a different region .......................... 229
Designating a POI category........... 230
Entering a POI from the map ........ 236
COMAND navigation system
(route guidance) ................................. 237
Route guidance ............................. 237
Examples of displays and
announcements for
a driving maneuver ....................... 237
Example of a display
without driving maneuvers............ 239
Destination or destination area
reached ........................................ 239
Partially digitized areas ................. 240

Contents
Audio menu .................................. 294
AMG menu ................................... 296
Telephone* menu......................... 299
Assistance* menu ........................ 303
Service menu ............................... 304
Settings menu .............................. 305
Voice Control..................................... 308
Operating safety........................... 308
Voice Control introduction................. 309
Spelling ........................................ 310
Command types ........................... 310
Active System .............................. 310
Controls ....................................... 311
Symbols ....................................... 312
Voice Control telephone .................... 313
Telephone operation .................... 313
Telephone commands .................. 314
Voice Control navigation.................... 320
Important notes ........................... 320
Navigation operation .................... 321
Navigation commands.................. 321
Dialog for entering
a complete address...................... 322
Commands for entering parts of
an address ................................... 327Voice Control address book ............... 330
COMAND address book overview . 330
Operation with address book
not open (global) ........................... 330
Operation with address book
open (local) ................................... 331
Operating and using address book 331
Available commands with the
address book not open ................. 331
Available commands with the
address book open ....................... 333
Voice Control radio............................. 334
Radio operation ............................ 334
Radio commands .......................... 334
Voice Control CD/
DVD changer/MP3 ............................. 338
Operation ...................................... 338
Commands.................................... 339
Voice Control command list ............... 340
Command list................................ 340
Voice Control troubleshooting ............ 352
Help function ................................ 352
Help commands ............................ 352
Help window ................................. 352
Entering digits and spelling ........... 352
What to do if ... ............................. 353Voice Control individualization ........... 355
Controls in detail.............................. 357
Locking and unlocking ....................... 358
SmartKey ...................................... 358
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ....... 361
Checking batteries in the
SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* ............................... 366
Loss of the SmartKey or
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ....... 366
Opening doors from the inside ..... 367
Power closing assist
for doors and trunk lid .................. 368
Automatic central locking ............. 368
Locking and unlocking from
the inside ...................................... 369
Starter switch positions ..................... 370
SmartKey ...................................... 370
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ....... 371
Seats .................................................. 373
Seat adjustment ........................... 373
Seat heating ................................. 377
Seat ventilation* ........................... 378
Head restraints ............................. 379

Contents
Driving abroad .............................. 567
Control and operation of
radio transmitters......................... 567
Catalytic converter ....................... 568
Emission control........................... 568
Coolant temperature .................... 569
At the gas station............................... 570
Refueling ...................................... 570
Check regularly and
before a long trip .......................... 572
Engine compartment.......................... 573
Hood ............................................ 573
Engine oil...................................... 575
Transmission fluid level ................ 578
Active Body Control* (ABC*)
fluid level ...................................... 579
Coolant level ................................ 579
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 580
Tires and wheels ................................ 582
Important guidelines .................... 582
Tire care and maintenance ........... 583
Direction of rotation ..................... 585
Loading the vehicle ...................... 585
Recommended tire
inflation pressure ......................... 590Checking tire inflation pressure ... 592
Tire labeling.................................. 598
Load identification ....................... 601
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..
602
Maximum tire load ....................... 603
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 603
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 604
Tire ply material ........................... 606
Tire and loading terminology ........ 606
Rotating tires ............................... 609
Winter driving .................................... 610
Winter tires .................................. 610
Snow chains ................................. 611
Maintenance ...................................... 612
Maintenance service
indicator message ........................ 612
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display............... 613
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator........................... 614
Vehicle care ....................................... 615
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 615
Practical hints................................. 627
What to do if …? ................................ 628
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 628
Air bag off indicator lamp............. 640
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display.................... 642
Where will I find ...? ........................... 705
First aid kit ................................... 705
Vehicle jack, vehicle tool kit,
luggage bowl, Minispare wheel .... 705
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 708
Unlocking the vehicle................... 708
Locking the vehicle ...................... 709
Resetting activated head restraints ... 710
Head restraints (standard) ........... 710
Luxury head restraints* ............... 711
Replacing SmartKey batteries ........... 712
Replacing bulbs ................................. 714
Bulbs ............................................ 715
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 717
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 721
Placing wiper arms in
vertical position ........................... 721
Removing wiper blades ................ 722
Installing wiper blades ................. 722

Contents
Flat tire .............................................. 723
Preparing the vehicle ................... 723
Mounting the spare wheel............ 723
Batteries ............................................ 729
Disconnecting starter battery ...... 731
Removing starter battery ............. 732
Charging battery .......................... 732
Reinstalling starter battery........... 733
Reconnecting starter battery ....... 733
Jump starting ..................................... 734
Towing the vehicle ............................. 737
Towing with front wheels raised ... 738
Towing with all wheels
on the ground............................... 739
Installing towing eye bolt ............. 740
Fuses ................................................. 741
Fuse boxes in
engine compartment .................... 742
Fuse boxes in
passenger compartment .............. 743
Emergency engine shut-down ...... 744
Technical data.................................. 745
Parts service....................................... 746
Warranty coverage ............................. 747
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 747
Identification labels ............................ 748
Layout of poly-V-belt drive .................. 750
S 450 4MATIC, S 550 and
S 550 4MATIC............................... 750
S 63 AMG ..................................... 750
S 600 and S 65 AMG .................... 750
Engine ................................................ 751
Rims and tires .................................... 754
Same size tires ............................. 755
Mixed size tires ............................. 757
Spare wheel .................................. 759
Electrical system ................................ 760
Main dimensions and weights ............ 762
Main dimensions........................... 762
Weights ......................................... 763Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. .......... 764
Capacities ..................................... 764
Engine oils .................................... 769
Engine oil additives ....................... 769
Air conditioning refrigerant ........... 769
Brake fluid .................................... 769
Premium unleaded gasoline.......... 770
Fuel requirements......................... 770
Gasoline additives......................... 771
Coolants ....................................... 771
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 774
Index................................................. 775

14 IntroductionOperator’s ManualThis Operator’s Manual contains a great
deal of useful information. We urge you to
read it carefully and familiarize yourself
with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life
of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the in-
structions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in dam-
age to the vehicle or personal injury to you
or others. Vehicle damage caused by fail-
ure to follow instructions is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
the operation of any equipment, any autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to
demonstrate the proper procedures.We continuously strive to improve our
product, and ask for your understanding
that we reserve the right to make changes
in design and equipment. Therefore, infor-
mation, illustrations and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from
your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in
this manual, including operating instruc-
tions wherever necessary. Since they are
special-order items, the descriptions and
illustrations herein may vary slightly from
the actual equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are
not shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
C e n t e r w i l l b e g l a d t o i n f o r m y o u o f c o r r e c t
care and operating procedures. The Oper-
ator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be
kept with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet contains detailed information
about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:

New Vehicle Limited Warranty


Emission System Warranty


Emission Performance Warranty


California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont Emission Control System
Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont only)


State Warranty Enforcement Laws
(Lemon Laws)