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.
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! To avoid damage to the handle never pull
up the hood on the handle.
XPull handle \000G to its stop out of radiator
grille.
XPull up on hood.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
Closing
GWarning!
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 the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLet the hood drop from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck 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.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine consumes will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption can
occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle
is driven frequently at higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
! Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level
Rthe vehicle must be parked on level ground
Rwith the engine at operating temperature,
the vehicle must have been stationary for
at least 5 minutes with the engine turned
off
Rwith the engine not at operating
temperature, the vehicle must have been
stationary for at least 30 minutes with the
engine turned off
Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick
On the S 450 4MATIC, S 550 4MATIC, S 550,
and S 63 AMG you can check the engine oil
level with the oil dipstick.
XOpen the hood (Y page 404).Engine compartment405Operation221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 405Z
iIf you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press button \000A on the
multifunction steering wheel.
XIf necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 537).
Other display messages
If the ignition is not switched on, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
For Engine Oil Level
Ignition Must be On
XSwitch on the ignition.
Need More Time
to Check
Engine Oil Level
XIf the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
XIf the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If you see the message:
Engine Oil Level
Not Measurable
With Running Engine
XTurn off the engine.XIf the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before checking oil.
XIf the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If there is excess engine oil with the engine at
normal operating temperature, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Reduce
Engine Oil Level
XHave excess oil siphoned or drained off.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 483).
Adding engine oil
! Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System. For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The following will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty:
RUsing engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System.
RChanging of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System.
RUsing any oil additives.
Example illustration: S 550
Engine compartment407Operation221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 407Z
Example illustration: S 63 AMG
XUnscrew filler cap \000F from filler neck.XAdd engine oil as required. Be careful not
to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XScrew filler cap \000F back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 537) and
(Y page 539).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If you
notice fluid leaks or malfunction messages in
the multifunction display, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC
system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†).
GWarning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
RUse extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature gauge indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
RDo not remove the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam
will be blown out under pressure.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
Example illustration: S 550
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00B4Check
Engine
Oil at
Next
RefuelingAll models except S 600 and S 65 AMG:
The engine oil level has dropped to approximately the
minimum level.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 405) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 407).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.00B4Check
Engine
Oil Level
(Add 1
quart)
(USA only)
Check
Engine
Oil Level
(Add 1
Liter)
(Canada
only)S 600 and S 65 AMG only:
The engine oil level is too low.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 407) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 405).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.If the message Check Engine Oil at Next
Refueling (All models except S 600 and
S 65 AMG) or Check Engine Oil Level
(Add 1 quart) (Canada: 1 Liter appears
while the engine is running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest servicestation to refill your engine oil to the required
level.
For information on approved engine oils
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display483Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 483Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00B4Engine
Oil Level
Cannot Be
MeasuredS 600 and S 65 AMG only:
The measuring system is malfunctioning.XHave the measuring system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.00B4Engine
Oil Level
Too HighS 600 and S 65 AMG only:
You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of
damaging the engine or the catalytic converter.XHave oil siphoned or drained off. Observe all legal
requirements with respect to its disposal.00B4Engine
Oil Level
Low Stop
Vehicle
Turn
Engine OffS 600 and S 65 AMG only:
The engine oil level is too low. There is a danger of engine
damage.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 407) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 405).00AAThe fuel level is low.XRefuel at the next gas station.00B8Reserve
FuelThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.00B7Gas Cap
LooseA loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaking.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 403).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.484Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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All models
(except AMG vehicles)S 63 AMG
S 63 AMG (Performance Package)
S 65 AMGRim (steel)4.5 B x 19 H2—Rim (light alloy)—4.5 B x 19 H2Wheel offset1.38 in (35 mm)1.38 in (35 mm)Minispare tire 68T 155/70 R19 113MT 155/70 R19 113MRecommended tire
inflation pressure61 psi (4.2 bar)61 psi (4.2 bar)Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
GWarning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing, and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise you could endanger persons
or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterS 450 4MATIC 69
S 550 70
S 550 4MATIC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsS 600
S 65 AMG9.5 US qt (9.0 l)S 63 AMG 719.9 US qt (9.35 l)68
Must not be used with snow chains.
69 Canada only.
70 USA only.
71 Engine with oil cooler.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.537Technical data221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 537Z
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Cooling
system,
vehicles with
rear climate
controlS 450 4MATIC 69approx. 17.1 US qt (16.2 l)S 55070
S 550 4MATICapprox. 13.8 US qt (13.1 l)S 600
S 65 AMGapprox. 15.9 US qt (15.0 l)S 63 AMGapprox. 11.8 US qt (11.2 l)Low
temperature
cooling systemS 600approx. 2.8 US qt (2.6 l)S 65 AMGapprox. 3.3 US qt (3.1 l)Fuel tankAll models23.8 US gal (90.0 l)Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])Fuel tank
reserveS 450 4MATIC 69
S 550 70
S 550 4MATIC
S 600approx. 2.9 US gal (11.0 l)S 63 AMG
S 65 AMGapprox. 3.7 US gal (14.0 l)Air
conditioning
systemAll models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Washer system
and headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models6.9 US qt (6.5 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate 73
( Y page 544)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 544)Approved engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for our
service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required
for vehicles with the Maintenance System.For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Using engine oils and oil filters of a
specification other than those expressly69 Canada only.
70 USA only.
73 Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.539Technical data221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 539Z