Ryou depress the brake pedal fully again
until the message HOLD in the multifunction
display disappears
Ryou engage the electronic parking brake
Ryou activate the DISTRONIC PLUS
iAfter a while, the vehicle will be secured
by the electronic parking brake to relieve
the service brake.
GWarning!
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal
Rthe HOLD function or the power supply is
malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery failure
Rthe electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
Rthe battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the HOLD
function is activated!
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
electronic parking brake. It must not be used
to secure the vehicle when parking.
Deactivate the HOLD function when leaving
or parking the vehicle. Use the electronic
parking brake to secure the vehicle.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
automatic transmission shifts into park
position P automatically when
Ropening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
Rturning off the engine
Ropening the hood
Ra system malfunction occurs
Rthe on-board voltage is insufficient
The HOLD function is deactivated.
AIRMATIC
Introduction
The AIRMATIC lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and
suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(Y page 343) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 344).
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is
controlled electronically and operates
continuously. It adjusts the damping
characteristics to the current operating and
driving conditions. The damping is adjusted
individually for each wheel. Driving safety and
tire comfort are increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour personal settings
The selected setting remains stored in
memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
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panel could otherwise lock-up in the open
position.
If the tilt/sliding panel cannot be closed or
synchronized, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call Roadside
Assistance.
Tilt/sliding panel and front roller
sunblindXSwitch on the ignition.XPull and hold the roof panel switch several
times in direction of arrow 008A
( Y page 375) until the tilt/sliding panel is
fully closed.XKeep holding the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow 008A for approximately
1 second.XPull and hold the roof panel switch several
times in direction of arrow 008A until the front
roller sunblind is fully extended.XKeep holding the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow 008A for approximately
1 second.XCheck the express operation feature of the
front roller sunblind.
If the front roller sunblind retracts
completely, the front roller sunblind is
synchronized. Otherwise repeat the above
steps.XCheck the express operation feature of the
tilt/sliding panel ( Y page 377).
If the tilt/sliding panel opens completely,
the tilt/sliding panel is synchronized.
Otherwise repeat the above steps.
Rear roller sunblind
XSwitch on the ignition.XPull roller sunblind switch 0046
( Y page 376) in the rear door control panel
several times until the rear roller sunblind
is fully extended.XKeep holding roller sunblind switch 0046 for
approximately 1 second.XCheck the express operation feature of the
front roller sunblind.
If the rear roller sunblind retracts
completely, the rear roller sunblind is
synchronized. Otherwise repeat the above
steps.
Loading and storing
Loading instructions
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down hooks and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects. Always use cargo tie-down hooks
when transporting cargo. Do not place
anything on the rear-window shelf.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Load distribution
The total load weight including vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo should not
exceed the total load limit indicated on the
corresponding Tire and Loading Information
placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar
( Y page 418).
The handling characteristics of a fully loaded
vehicle depends greatly on the load
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distribution. It is therefore recommended to
load the vehicle accordingly with the heaviest
items being placed towards the front of the
vehicle.
Please pay attention to and comply with the
following instructions when loading the
vehicle and transporting cargo:
RAlways place items being carried against
front or rear seat backrests, and fasten
them as securely as possible.
RThe heaviest portion of the cargo should
always be kept as low as possible against
front or rear seat backrests.
Roof rack
For information about further roof rack
equipment, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
GWarning!
Only use roof racks approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage
to the vehicle.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof rack loaded.
Make sure
Ryou can raise the power tilt/sliding sunroof
or the panorama roof with tilt/sliding panel
completely
Ryou can open the trunk completely
XFlip trim covers \000F open.XOnly attach the roof rack to the anchorage
points under trim covers \000F.
XObserve manufacturer’s instructions for
installation.
Parcel nets
GWarning!
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front passenger
footwell and on each side of the left and right
trunk side walls.
Hooks
Coat hooks
Two coat hooks are located in the vehicle, one
on each side.
Use coat hooks to secure light-weight items
only. The maximum permissible weight per
coat hook is 6,6 lbs (3 kg).
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XOpening: Press coat hook \000F.
The coat hook moves out.
XClosing: Press coat hook \000F until it
engages.
Retaining hook
A retaining hook can be used to attach cargo
items such as bags.
! Do not use the retaining hook to tie down
cargo.
XPull strap \000F of retaining hook \000G down.
Cargo tie-down hooks
Four cargo tie-down hooks are located in the
trunk.
Always follow loading instructions
(Y page 379).
Carefully secure cargo by applying even load
on all cargo tie-down hooks with rope of
sufficient strength to hold down the cargo.
Front storage compartments
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
Rbraking
Rvehicle maneuvers
Ran accident
Glove box
The glove box can be ventilated
(Y page 369).
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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
interference, and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, 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 received, 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.
Floormats
GWarning!
Whenever you are using floormats, make sure
there is enough clearance and that the
floormats are securely fastened.
Floormats should always be securely fastened
using the fastening equipment.
Before driving off, check that the floormats
are securely in place and adjust them if
necessary. A loose floormat could slip and
hinder proper functioning of the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of each
other as this may impair pedal movement.
XMove the driver’s seat or front passenger
seat as far to the rear as possible.
XRemoving: Pull floormat off of retainer
pins \000F.
XInstalling: Press floormat eyelets \000G onto
retainer pins \000F.
Infrared reflecting windshield
Infrared reflecting glass reduces the amount
of radiated heat entering the vehicle interior
through the windows.
The infrared reflecting glass also prevents the
transmission of signals through the glass by
in-vehicle electronic devices, e.g. electronic
toll collection devices.
Vehicles without Night View Assist Plus
\000FInfrared transparent area (located left and
right to the cover of the rain light sensor)
\000GCover of the rain light sensor\000
! 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.
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Vehicle equipment
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Where will I find ...?
First aid kit
iCheck expiration dates and contents for
completeness at least once a year and
replace missing/expired items.
The first aid kit is located in the trunk on the
right side storage pocket, secured by a
tensioning strap.
XLoosen tensioning strap \000F.
First aid kit \000G can be removed.
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is located in the space
underneath the trunk floor.
iVehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle.
The vehicle tool kit includes:
RAlignment bolt 44
RCollapsible wheel chock44
RFuse chart
RJack44
RPair of gloves44
RTowing eye bolt
RWheel wrench44
XRemoving: Open the trunk (Y page 279).XLift the trunk floor using the floor handle.XEngage the floor handle on the upper trunk
lip.
! To prevent damage, always disengage the
floor handle from the upper trunk lip and
lower the trunk floor before closing the
trunk.
\000FCollapsible wheel chock\000GVehicle tool kit box cover\000
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 SolutionsFront
Passenger
Airbag
Enabled
See Oper.
ManualThe front passenger front air bag is activated while driving
even though a child, small individual, or object below the
system’s weight threshold is on the front passenger seat, or
the front passenger seat is empty. Objects on the seat or
forces acting on the seat may make the system sense
supplemental weight.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front passenger door.XRemove child and child restraint from front passenger seat
and properly secure the child in rear seat employing the
child restraint if necessary.XMake sure no objects which apply supplemental weight to
the seat are present. The system may recognize such
supplemental weight and sense that an occupant on the
front passenger seat is of a greater weight than actually
present.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door
and switch on the ignition.
Monitor the 007F007D indicator lamp right of the
instrument cluster ( Y page 48) and the multifunction display
in the instrument cluster ( Y page 32) for the following:
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
R the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See
Oper. Manual or the message Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled See Oper. Manual should not appear
in the multifunction display at any time the seat is
unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to
complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure
neither message appears in the multifunction display.
If above conditions are met, you can occupy the front
passenger seat again. Depending on the front passenger
classification sensed by the OCS, the 007F007D
indicator lamp will remain illuminated or go out.
If above conditions are not met, the system is not working
properly. Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
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