2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC length

275 Control systems
Instrument cluster control system
Resetting current lap
Press buttonæ while the timer is
running.
The timer stops.
Press buttonç.
The lap time is reset to “0”.
Deleting all laps
Press buttonæ while the timer is
running.
The timer stops.
Pressç for at least 3 seconds.
Press buttonæ.
The timer starts. The saved laps are de-
leted.Overall analysis
Press ( or & to select the
“AMG” menu.
Press $ repeatedly until the overall
analysis appears in the multifunction
display.
1Overall analysis of RACETIMER
2Overall driving time
3Maximum speed
4Overall distance driven
5Average speed
To select a different display, press
$, ( or &.Lap analysis
Press ( or & to select the
“AMG” menu.
Press $ repeatedly until the lap
analysis appears in the multifunction
display.
1Lap number
2Lap time
3Maximum speed
4Lap length
5Average speed during lap
Press $ or % to see other lap
analyses.
iIt is not possible to delete a single saved lap.
iThese functions are only available if you
have saved at least one lap and have stopped the
RACETIMER.iThese functions are only available if you
have saved at least two laps and have stopped
RACETIMER.


286 Control systems
Voice Control* introduction
Spelling
You may not need to spell the entire name
(street, intersection, city or point of inter-
est) especially if the name is lengthy. Spell-
ing the first three to five characters of the
name should be sufficient for the system
to recognize the name provided it is avail-
able on the navigation DVD.
The selection appearing on the COMAND
display is sorted based on your recognized
voice input and a matching algorithm.
You can use the commands “Next page” or
“Previous page” to scroll up or down in the
list.
Use the command “Correction” to start
over by again spelling the name.
Speak each character as clearly as you
can, especially when they sound very simi-
lar (d or e).Command types
The Voice Control System commands can
be categorized as:

General Commands
These are commands always available
to you as soon as the Voice Control
System is activated (for example
“Help” commands).

Local Commands
These are commands specific to the
currently active system shown in the
COMAND display (for example com-
mands to control the CD/DVD chang-
er).
For a complete list of commands
(
page 315).
Active System
The active system is the system currently
shown in the COMAND display.
If, for example, you listen to the radio while
the telephone system is active on the
COMAND display, you have to switch to
the radio using the command “Radio” be-
fore you can operate the radio.
iDuring Voice Control System operation visu-
al help windows also appear in the COMAND dis-
play (
page 288).

299 Control systems
Voice Control* navigation
sNumber one
tNumber one accepted
tDo you want to start route guid-
ance?
sYes
tStarting route guidance
The system calculates the route and, upon
completing route calculation, starts route
guidance.“Points of interest”
Use the command “Points of interest” to
select a point of interest (POI) such as air-
ports, railroad stations, gas stations etc.
Sample dialog:sPoints of interest
uThe system shows the following list
on the COMAND display:

current position

other town/city

Global POI
tPlease select a line number
sNumber one
uThe system displays a numbered
list of available POI categories:
Select POI category menu
tPlease select a line number
sNumber one
uThe system displays a numbered
list search categories: Find menu
tPlease select a line number
sNumber one
uThe system displays a numbered
list of airports sorted by distance
tPlease select a line number
sNumber one
tPoint of interest accepted
tDo you want to start route guid-
ance?
sYes
tStarting route guidance
iYou may not need to spell the entire name
(street, intersection, city or point of interest) es-
pecially if the name is lengthy. Spelling the first
three to five characters of the name should be
sufficient for the system to recognize the name
provided it is available on the navigation DVD.
iThe selection appearing on the COMAND
display is sorted based on your recognized voice
input and a matching algorithm.
You can use the commands “Continue” or
“Back” to scroll up or down in the list.
Use the command “Correction” to start over by
again spelling the name.
Speak each character as clearly as you can, es-
pecially when they sound very similar (d or e).iDepending on the number of categories and
POI’s available for a given area, the system may
display several lists on each of which you may
have to make a selection by speaking the desired
line number or you have to spell the name of a
POI.

409 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Automatic shift program
The program mode selector switch is used
to adjust

shift program

suspension tuning of Airmatic
(
page 440) or ABC* (page 442)

engine control
Program mode selector switch
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For standard driving
Program mode selector switch (S 63 AMG
and S 65 AMG only)
M Manual For manual gear shifting
(
page 413)
C Comfort For standard driving
S Sport For sporty driving
Effect
èThe transmission shifts through
third gear only.
With this selection you can use
the braking effect of the engine.
çThe transmission shifts through
second gear only.
Allows the use of engine’s
braking power when driving:

on steep downgrades

in mountainous regions

under extreme operating
conditions
æThe transmission operates in
first gear only.
For maximum use of engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.

523 Controls in detail
Useful features
Programming tips
If you are having difficulty programming
the integrated remote control, here are
some helpful tips:

Check the frequency of hand-held re-
mote control5 (typically located on
the reverse side of the remote). The in-
tegrated remote control is compatible
with radio-frequency devices operating
between 280-390 MHz.

Put a new battery in hand-held remote
control5. This will increase the likeli-
hood of the hand-held remote control
sending a faster and more accurate sig-
nal to the integrated remote control.

While performing step 3, hold
hand-held remote control5 at differ-
ent lengths and angles from the signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or4) you
are programming. Attempt varying an-
gles at the distance of 2 to 5 in
(5 to 12 cm) away or the same angle at
varying distances.

If another hand-held remote control is
available for the same device, try the
programming steps again using that
other hand-held remote control. Make
sure new batteries are in the hand-held
remote control before beginning the
procedure.

Straighten the antenna wire from the
garage door opener assembly. This
may help improve transmitting and/or
receiving signals.
iCertain types of garage door openers are in-
compatible with the integrated remote control. If
you should experience further difficulties with
programming the integrated remote control,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, or
call Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-
ter (in the USA only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
(2) this device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

533 Operation
Driving instructions
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of

All models except S 63 AMG and
S65AMG:
130 mph (210 km/h)

S 63 AMG:
S 65 AMG:
155 mph (250 km/h)

S 63 AMG with increased top speed*:
S 65 AMG with increased top speed*:
186 mph (300 km/h)
The factory equipped tires on your vehicle
may have a tire speed rating above the
maximum speed permitted by the elec-
tronic speed limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle in
the “Technical data” section (
page 718),
for example when purchasing new tires.
For information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see “Tire
size designation, load and speed rating”
(
page 568).If you are uncertain about the correct read-
ing of the information given on a tire’s side-
wall, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to assist you.
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
or DISTRONIC Plus* system under such
conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to neutral
positionN. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed.
iFor information on speed ratings for winter
tires, see (
page 571) and (page 580).
iFor information on driving with snow chains,
see “Snow chains” (
page 581).
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.

690 Practical hints
Flat tire
Clean contact surfaces of wheel and
wheel hub.
Guide the spare wheel onto the align-
ment bolt and push it on.
Insert wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
Unscrew the alignment bolt, install the
last wheel bolt and tighten slightly.Lowering the vehicle
Lower vehicle by turning crank coun-
terclockwise until vehicle is resting ful-
ly on its own weight.
Remove the jack.
1 - 5 Wheel bolts
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when mount-
ing a Minispare wheel with steel rim. The use of
any wheel bolts other than wheel bolts2 for a
Minispare wheel with steel rim will physically
damage the vehicle’s brakes.
Wheel bolts1 must be used when mounting a
Minispare wheel with light alloy rim. The use of
any wheel bolts other than wheel bolts1 for
a Minispare wheel with light alloy rim will physi-
cally damage the vehicle’s brakes.
Warning!G
Make sure to use the original length wheel
bolts when remounting the original wheel
after it has been repaired.!To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while installing first
wheel bolt.

697 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the starter battery is discharged, the en-
gine can be started with jumper cables and
the battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.

Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.

Only use 12-volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Jump starting with a high-
er voltage battery could damage the ve-
hicle’s electrical system, which will not
be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.

Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.

Always make sure that the jumper ca-
bles are not on or near pulleys, fans or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!Jump starting should only be performed on
the starter battery installed in the engine com-
partment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a bat-
tery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated
failed starting attempts may damage the catalyt-
ic converter and may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any
other metal part while the other end is still at-
tached to a battery.