2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S600 height

541 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening1Release lever
Pull release lever 1.
The hood is unlocked.
2Handle for opening the hood
Lift the hood slightly.
Handle2 will extend out of the radia-
tor grille.
Pull handle 2 to its stop out of radiator
grille.
Lift bottom of hood at edge of radiator
grille.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose
and injure you and/or others.
Warning!G
You could be injured when the hood is open
– even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool off com-
pletely before touching any components on
the vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or
hood, never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
!To avoid damage to handle2 never pull up
the hood on handle2.


542 Operation
Engine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Warning!G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
Warning!G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled down. If neces-
sary, call the fire department.
Warning!G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running

while starting the engine

if ignition is “on” and the engine is
cranked manually
Warning!G
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure that the hood is securely en-
gaged before driving off. Do not continue
driving if the hood can no longer engage af-
ter an accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and endanger you and/or others.


569 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire width
The tire width1 (
page 568) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio2 (
page 568) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.
Tire code
The tire code3 (
page 568) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag-
onal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 570).Rim diameter
The rim diameter4 (
page 568) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire load rating
The tire load rating5 (
page 568) is a
numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corre-
sponds to a maximum load of 1 356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load”
(
page 573) where the maximum load as-
sociated with the load index is indicated in
kilograms and lbs.
Warning!G
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR (
page 576) of your vehi-
cle. Otherwise, tire failure may be the result
which may cause an accident and/or seri-
ous personal injury to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part.
Warning!G
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit or total load limit as indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Information
placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar
(
page 553). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.
Overloading the tires can also result in han-
dling or steering problems, or brake failure.

576 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driv-
en no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross Axle Weight Rating)
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 Vehicle Weight)
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.

618 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Front pass. airbag
disabled
See Oper. ManualFront passenger front air bag is
deactivated while driving even
though an adult or someone
larger than a small individual is
occupying the front passenger
seat. Forces acting on the seat
may make the system sense a
decrease in weight.Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and check the front
passenger seat for the following:
Engage the electronic parking brake (page 395).
Switch off the ignition (page 344).
Have the front passenger vacate the seat and exit the vehicle.
Adjust the seat in a height position (page 347).
Make sure that no objects which apply forces to the seat are present (e.g.
objects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged underneath, behind or
around the seat). Such forces may cause the system to sense that an oc-
cupant of a lesser weight than actually present is on the front passenger
seat.
Keep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door and switch on
the ignition (
page 344).
Monitor the 59indicator lamp right of the instrument cluster
(
page 50) and the multifunction display in the instrument cluster
(
page 264) for the following:
(Continued on next page)
Display Possible cause/consequencePossible solution

672 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 6.0 ft
(1.8 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
Insert the mechanical key2 into the
trunk lid lock until it stops.
Turn mechanical key2 all the way
counterclockwise to position 1.
The trunk opens.
Turn the mechanical key2 back and
remove it from the trunk lid lock.
Locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO*, do the follow-
ing:
Close the front passenger door, the
rear right door and the trunk.
Open the driver’s door and the rear left
door.
Press the central locking switch on the
driver’s door (
page 343).
The locking knobs of the front passen-
ger door and the rear doors move
down.
If the vehicle battery is disconnected or
drained:
Press down the locking knobs of
the front passenger door and the
rear doors manually.
Exit the vehicle.
Check whether the trunk is locked.
If necessary, lock the trunk with the
mechanical key (
page 484).
Close the driver’s door.
Enter the vehicle through the rear left
door.
Press down the locking knob of the
driver’s door.
Exit the vehicle.
Close the rear left door.
The vehicle is locked.
1Unlocking in an emergency
2Mechanical key
!The trunk lid swings open upwards automat-
ically. Always make sure that there is sufficient
overhead clearance.
iIf you cannot close the trunk with the re-
mote trunk opening/closing* switch, lower the
trunk lid manually and close it with hands placed
flat on the trunk lid until it is engaged in its lock.
!To prevent inadvertent lockout, make sure
to have the SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* with you before proceeding with
the next step. The next step will lock the vehicle.
iThis procedure does not arm the anti-theft
alarm system nor does it lock the fuel filler flap.

723 Technical data
Main dimensions and weights
Main dimensions and weights
Main dimensions
Weights
ModelS 550 (221.171)
S 550 4MATIC (221.186)
S 600 (221.176)
S 63 AMG (221.077)
S 65 AMG (221.179)
Overall vehicle length205.0 in (5 210 mm)
Overall vehicle width (exterior rear view mirrors folded out)83.2 in (2 113 mm)
Overall vehicle width (exterior rear view mirrors folded in)73.7 in (1 871 mm)
Overall vehicle height58.0 in (1 473 mm)
Wheelbase124.6 in (3 165 mm)
Track, front63.2 in (1 604 mm)
Track, rear63.3 in (1 606 mm)
Max. roof load 220 lb (100 kg)
Max. trunk load220 lb (100 kg)

744 Index
Headlamp cleaning system 375, 548
Washer fluid 727, 733
Headlamps
Automatic control 372
Automatic headlamp mode 282
Cleaning lenses 589
Cleaning system 548
Manual headlamp mode 282
Messages in display 653
Refilling washer fluid 549
Headliner and shelf below rear window,
Cleaning and care of 594
Heated steering wheel* 360
Height adjustments
Vehicle level (ABC*) 443
High beam
Replacing bulbs 679
High beam flasher 375
High beam headlamp
Indicator lamp 29High mounted brake lamp 679
High-performance brake system
(AMG vehicles only) 529
Hood 541
Message in display 649
Opening 541
Horn 27
Hydroplaning 531
I
Identification labels 712
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) 713
Ignition 344, 346
Switching on 344
Switching on, KEYLESS-GO* 346
Immobilizer 81
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Individualization
Voice Control* 330
Infant and child restraint systems see Chil-
dren in the vehicle
Inflation pressure see Tires
Infrared reflecting windshield 524
Inside door handle 341Instrument cluster 28, 417
Coolant temperature gauge 29, 417
Fuel gauge 29
Illumination 417, 463
Lamps 598
Multifunction display 264
Outside temperature indicator 418
Selecting the language
(COMAND) 238
Interior lighting 378
Activating automatic control 378
Ambient lighting (COMAND) 247
Deactivating automatic control 378
Delayed switch-off (COMAND) 248
In the rear 379
Reading lamps in the front 379
Reading lamps in the rear 379
Interior rear view mirror
Adjusting 361
Auto-dimming 363
Interior storage spaces see Storage com-
partments