Armrest, rear
Control panel ........................... 80, 293
Cup holder ..................................... 385
Storage compartment ....................383
Ashtrays ............................................. 387
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 430
Assistance menu ............................... 231
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................... 355
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 476
Switching on or off ......................... 232
Audio Aux ........................................... 186
Audio menu ........................................ 226
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ..... 295
Automatic central locking ................ 278
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 299
Automatic interior lighting control .. 304
Automatic shift program .................. 322
Automatic transmission ................... 317
Automatic shift program ................322
Gear range indicator ......................321
Gear ranges ................................... 321
Gear selector lever ........................317
Hill-start assist system ..................341
Kickdown ....................................... 321
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..325
Manual shift program ..................... 324
One-touch gearshifting ..................323
Program mode indicator ................322
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............322
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................324
Shifting procedure .........................319
Steering wheel gearshift control ....323
Transmission position indicator .....320
Transmission positions ..................320
AUX
Audio ............................................. 186
Media interface .............................. 200
Sockets .......................................... 187
Video ............................................. 186
Axle oils .............................................. 538B
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 430
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 64
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 64
Batteries, replacing
Headphone .................................... 502
Remote control (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................502
Remote control (SPLITVIEW) ..........502
SmartKey ....................................... 502
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ........................277
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 512
Charging ........................................ 514
Jump starting ................................. 514
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 463, 482
Bead (tire) .......................................... 430
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Blind Spot Assist ............................... 359
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 460
Switching on or off ......................... 233
Bluetooth ®
interface ......................... 151
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake Assist System PLUS
see BAS PLUS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 409
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 472
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 466
Brakes ................................................ 435
High-performance brake system ....437
Warning lamp ................................. 490Index5221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 5
Number .......................................... 525
Starting .......................................... 311
Turning off ..................................... 316
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 407
Additives ........................................ 540
Checking level ............................... 405
Consumption ................................. 405
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 483
Oil dipstick ..................................... 406
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 539
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ...... 66
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 67
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................... 467, 468, 473
Warning lamp ................................. 495
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 53
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 67
Express operation
Panorama roof ............................... 377
Power windows .............................. 307
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................373
Exterior lamp switch ......................... 298
Exterior rear view mirrors ................ 295
Fold-in function .............................. 296
Parking position ............................. 295
Power-folding ................................. 296
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 28
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 51
First aid kit ......................................... 450
Flat tire ............................................... 508
Lowering the vehicle ......................512
Mounting the spare wheel .............509
Preparing the vehicle .....................508
Spare wheel ........................... 508, 536
Floormats ........................................... 399
Fluids
ABC fluid ................................ 408, 538
Automatic transmission fluid .........538
Brake fluid ..................................... 538
Capacities ...................................... 537
Engine coolant ....................... 538, 539
Engine oil ....................................... 537
Power steering fluid .......................538
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 539
Fog lamps ........................................... 300
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 485, 487
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ...................................... 296
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 44
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 455
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ............................. 46, 498
Fuel ..................................................... 402
Additives ........................................ 541
Capacity, fuel tank .........................539
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................434
Fuel consumption statistics ...........223
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................403
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp .....496
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........541
Refueling ........................................ 402
Requirements ................................ 541
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 403
Fuel gauge ......................................... 327
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 537
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 539
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................403
Refueling ........................................ 402
Fuses .................................................. 519Index9221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 9
Multifunction display messages
ABC (Active Body Control) .............457
ABS ....................................... 467, 468
Active headlamps .......................... 485
Advanced Parking Guidance ..........461
Advanced TPMS ............................. 464
Air bags ......................................... 455
AIRMATIC ...................................... 476
Alternator .............................. 463, 482
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................476
Automatic
transmission .......................... 462, 463
Battery ................................... 463, 482
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 460
Brake fluid ..................................... 472
Brake pads ..................................... 466
Coolant .......................................... 480
Corner-illuminating lamps ..............488
Cruise control ................................ 458
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 459
Doors ............................................. 478
EBP ................................................ 468
Engine oil ....................................... 483
ESC ............................... 467, 468, 473
Fog lamps .............................. 485, 487
Front passenger front air bag ........455
Gas cap .......................................... 484
High-beam lamps ........................... 486
Hood .............................................. 478
Lane Keeping Assist ......................462
License plate lamps .......................486
Light sensor ................................... 487
Low-beam lamps ............................ 487
Night View Assist Plus ...................477
Parking lamps ................................ 486
PRE-SAFE ®
.................................... 454
Radar sensors ................................ 461
Reserve fuel ................................... 484
Reverse lamp ................................. 485
Side marker lamps .........................485
SmartKey ....................................... 478
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO ..........478
SRS ................................................ 474
Tele Aid .......................................... 474
Tire inflation pressure ............464, 489
Tire pressure monitor ....................464
Tires ...................................... 464, 489Trunk ............................................. 478
Turn signals ................................... 488
Multifunction steering wheel
Adjustment .................................... 293
Buttons .......................................... 221
Cleaning ......................................... 446
Gearshift control ............................ 323
Heating .......................................... 294
Memory function ........................... 297
Music Register ................................... 196
N
Navigation ............................................ 95
Alternative route ............................ 138
Compass ........................................ 137
Destination memory ......................145
Entering a destination ....................106
Entering a stopover ........................ 122
Introduction ..................................... 95
Lane recommendation ...................131
Last destinations ........................... 147
Map software version ......................96
Points of interest (POI) ................... 124
Route guidance .............................. 129
Traffic messages ............................ 138
Zagat ®
Rating Service ....................128
“Where am I?” function ..................136
Navi menu .......................................... 225
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ............................................. 55
Resetting ....................................... 501
Nets, parcel ....................................... 380
Night security illumination .............. 208
Night View Assist Plus ...................... 356
Cleaning the windshield in front of
the camera .................................... 444
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 477
Normal occupant weight .................. 431
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN) ................................................... 525
Index13221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 13
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 329
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 337
Resume function ...................330, 338
SPLITVIEW ............................................ 90
Headphone ...................................... 82
Remote control ................................ 81
SRS
Indicator lamp .................................. 32
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ......................... 40, 494
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 474
Standing water, driving through ...... 437
Starter switch positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 284
SmartKey ....................................... 284
Starting difficulties (engine) ............ 312
Starting the engine ........................... 311
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control ..... 323
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 395
Storage compartments ..................... 381
Storing tires ....................................... 424
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sunshade
Rear door window ..........................308
Rear window .................................. 386
Sun visors .......................................... 386
Suspension tuning see AIRMATIC
T
Tachometer .................................. 33, 327
Overspeed range ........................... 327
Tail lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Tar stains ........................................... 441
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant ....539, 540
Brake fluid ............................. 538, 540
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 537
Coolant .................................. 538, 542
Engine oil additives ........................540
Engine oils ............................. 537, 539
Fuel requirements .......................... 541
Gasoline additives .......................... 541
Identification labels .......................524
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........541
Rims and tires ................................ 532
Spare wheel ................................... 536
Vehicle specification
S 450 4MATIC ............................... 527
Vehicle specification S 550 ...........527
Vehicle specification
S 550 4MATIC ............................... 528
Vehicle specification S 600 ...........529
Vehicle specification S 63 AMG .....530
Vehicle specification S 65 AMG .....531
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 539, 544
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification
Tele Aid ............................................... 389
Automatic Maintenance Call ..........395
Emergency calls ............................. 390
Information button .........................392
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 391
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 474
Remote door lock .......................... 394
Remote door unlock ......................394
Roadside Assistance button ..........391
Search & Send ............................... 393
SOS button .................................... 391
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ..395
System self-test ............................. 389
Telephone .......................................... 148
Answering/ending a call ................230
Bluetooth ®
interface ...................... 151
Call lists ......................................... 163Index17221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 17
Radio ............................................. 252
Settings ........................................... 93
Telephone ...................................... 245
Troubleshooting ............................. 267
W
Warning sounds
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....52
Electronic parking brake ................469
Parking Guidance ........................... 352
Parktronic system ..........................350
Seat belt telltale ............................ 493
Warranty coverage ............................ 524
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 544
Washer fluid
Mixing ratio .................................... 544
Refilling .......................................... 409
Washing the vehicle .......................... 440
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 425
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 508
Removing ....................................... 511
Spare ............................................. 508
Tightening torque ........................... 512
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 532
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 410
Window curtain air bags ..................... 45
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 445
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 445
Defogging ...................................... 371
Infrared reflecting ..........................399
Washer fluid ................................... 544
Wipers ........................................... 305
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................507
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 433
Snow chains .................................. 433
Tires ............................................... 432
Winter tires ................................ 432, 532
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 447
Z
ZAGAT ®
Rating Service ..................... 128
20Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 20
Intermittent wiping
Only switch on intermittent wiping under wet
weather conditions or in the presence of
precipitation.
When you select intermittent wiping, the rain
sensor is activated. The rain sensor sets a
suitable wiping interval depending on the
wetness of the sensor surface automatically.
! Do not leave windshield wipers on an
intermittent setting when the vehicle is
taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will
operate in the presence of water sprayed
on the windshield, and windshield wipers
may be damaged as a result.
! If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on
the surface of the rain sensor or optical
effects may cause the windshield wipers to
wipe in an undesired fashion. This could
then damage the windshield wiper blades
or scratch the windshield. You should
therefore switch off the windshield wipers
when weather conditions are dry.
XTurn the combination switch to position
004E or 004F .
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are controlled by the rain sensor
automatically.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the
vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is
opened. This protects persons getting into or
out of the vehicle from being sprayed.
Intermittent wiping will be continued when all
doors are closed and
R the automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R
or
R the wiper setting is changed using the
combination switch
Single wipeXPress the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow 0087 to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.
Wiping with washer fluid
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow 0087 past the resistance point.
The windshield wipers operate with washer
fluid.
i To prevent smears on the windshield or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
washer fluid every now and then even when
it is raining.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 409).
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system” ( Y page 303).
Problems with wipers
! If anything blocks the windshield wipers
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For safety reasons, do the following before
attempting to remove any blockage:
R Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
R Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
R Turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open the driver’s door (with the driver’s
door open, starter switch is in position
0 , same as with SmartKey removed from
starter switch).
R Engage the electronic parking brake.
306WipersControls in detail
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 306
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 409)
RBrake fluid (Y page 409)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
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.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
Opening
GWarning!
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant
temperature 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. If necessary, call
the fire department.
GWarning!
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 completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
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
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever \000F.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
404Engine compartmentOperation
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 404
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground.
The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) \000G and upper
mark (MAX) \000F of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
ROnly use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
RTires must be of the correct size for the rim.
RBreak in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
RRegularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
410Tires and wheelsOperation
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 410