1, 2, 3 ...
4-ETS see ETS/4-ETS
4MATIC
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
911 emergency call .......................... 150
A
ABC (Active Body Control) ................ 345
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 457
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 63
Indicator lamp ................................ 490
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 467, 468
Accessory weight .............................. 430
Accidents ........................................... 314
Air bags ........................................... 41
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............390
Emergency calls (Telephone) .........150
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ........................................ 55
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
see Headlamps
Active Body Control
see ABC
Adaptive Brake .................................... 65
Adaptive Brake Lights ......................... 66
Adaptive Damping System see ADS
Adaptive Highbeam Assist ............... 301
Setting ........................................... 235
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 540
Gasoline ......................................... 541
Address book ..................................... 159
Address change ................................... 22
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 343
Advanced Parking Guidance
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 461
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 414
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 464
Air bags ................................................ 41
Emergency call upon deployment ..390
Front, driver and passenger .............44
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 46, 498
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 455
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Side impact ...................................... 45
Window curtain ................................ 45
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 540
Air distribution .................................. 370
AIRMATIC
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ...343
Introduction ................................... 343
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 476
Vehicle level control ......................344
Air pressure
see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 430
Air recirculation mode ...................... 371
Air volume .......................................... 370
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 450, 511
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) .................. 347
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 463, 482
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
AMG menu ......................................... 227
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 543
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 71
Anti-theft alarm system ...................72
Immobilizer ...................................... 71
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Armrest, front
Storage compartment ....................3824Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 4
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
Break-in period .................................. 402
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 24
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 22
Calls (phone) .............................. 148, 230
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 537
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 446
CD player ............................................ 176
Central locking
Automatic ...................................... 278
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 275
Locking/unlocking from inside ......279
SmartKey ....................................... 274
Central locking/unlocking switch ... 279
Certification label .............................. 524
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 41
Child safety locks (rear doors) .........61
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) ........................................... 60
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off ................................ 46
Infant and child restraint systems .... 57
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) ..................................... 60
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
Override switch ................................ 61
Safety notes ..................................... 56
Tether anchorage points ..................59
Top tether ........................................ 59
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 447
Cigarette lighters .............................. 387
Climate control system .................... 363
Air conditioning ............................. 366
Air conditioning refrigerant ............540
Air distribution ............................... 370
Air recirculation mode ...................371
Air volume ..................................... 370
Automatic mode ............................ 366
Deactivating system ......................366
Front defroster .............................. 370
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........371
Residual heat and ventilation .........372
Temperature .................................. 367
Coat hooks ......................................... 380
Cockpit ................................................. 30
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 430
Collapsible wheel chock ................... 450
COMAND .............................................. 76
Address book ................................. 159
Audio playback .............................. 176
AUX sockets .................................. 186
Components .................................... 77
Controller ......................................... 79
FM/AM Radio ................................ 165
Gracenote ®
Media Database .........185
HD Radio™ .................................... 167
Headphone ...................................... 82
Inserting/ejecting CDs and DVDs . 179
Introduction ..................................... 76
iPod ®
............................................. 200
Media interface .............................. 200
Music Register ............................... 196
Navigation ........................................ 95
Operating ......................................... 84
Phone book .................................... 159
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...189
Remote control (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ....................81
Remote control (SPLITVIEW) ............81
Reset to factory settings ..................95
Satellite radio ................................ 170
SD card .......................................... 180
Shortcut buttons .............................. 77
SPLITVIEW ....................................... 90
Switching on or off ........................... 77
System settings ............................... 91
Telephone ...................................... 148
Telephone keypad ............................ 796Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 6
PRE-SAFE®
............................................ 54
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 454
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ................................. 69
Activating/deactivating .................232
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 454
Problems
While driving .................................. 314
With vehicle ..................................... 24
With wipers .................................... 306
Product information ............................ 21
Production options weight ............... 431
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ................322
Manual shift program ..................... 324
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 431
R
RACETIMER ........................................ 228
Radar sensors
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 461
Switching on or off ......................... 236
Radio .................................................. 165
HD Radio™ .................................... 167
Satellite radio ................................ 170
Selecting stations ..........................226
Radio transmitters ............................ 438
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 538
Rear door ashtray see Ashtrays
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 61
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 61
Sunshades ..................................... 308
Rear fog lamp
see Fog lamps
Rear Seat Entertainment System .... 189
AUX sockets .................................. 187
CD/DVD drive ............................... 180
Headphone ...................................... 82
Remote control ................................ 81
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Rear view camera .............................. 354
Cleaning the camera lens ..............444
Rear window defroster ..................... 372
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 411, 431
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 540
Refueling ............................................ 402
Regular checks .................................. 403
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote control (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ....................... 81
Replacing batteries ........................502
Remote control (SPLITVIEW) .............. 81
Replacing batteries ........................502
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ............. 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 394
Replacing
Key ................................................ 278
Replacing bulbs ................................. 504
Reporting safety defects .................... 24
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 484
Reset tool (NECK-PRO active front
head restraints) ................................. 501
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Retaining hook .................................. 381
Rims ........................................... 431, 532
Roadside Assistance ................... 22, 391
Roller sunblinds ................................. 375
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 541
Roof rack ............................................ 380
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 446Index15221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 15
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
Rhode Island, and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
Important notice for California retail
buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz
automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:
(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair,(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified us in writing of the need for its
repair, or(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Written notification should not be sent to a
dealer, it should be addressed to
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the
necessary maintenance work which should
be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Maintenance Booklet with
you when you take the vehicle to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
service. The service advisor will record each
service in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372)
(in the USA) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (in the USA) or the
Roadside Assistance section of the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (in
Canada) in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send
in the “Change of Address Notice” found in
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372), or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in
22Introduction221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 22
Automatic comfort-fit feature seat belt
The automatic comfort-fit feature reduces the
retracting force of the seat belts when they
are in normal use. It is available for the front
seats and for the rear outer seats (only for
vehicles with rear power seats).
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-
SAFE ®
)
GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
system is intended to reduce
the effects of an accident on vehicle
occupants who are wearing their seat belt
properly. Despite your vehicle being equipped
with the PRE-SAFE ®
system, the possibility of
personal injuries occurring as a result of an
accident cannot be eliminated. Therefore,
always drive carefully and adjust your driving
to the prevailing road, weather, and traffic
conditions.
The PRE-SAFE ®
system takes preventive
measures to better protect the occupants
from the possibility of personal injuries in the
following hazardous situations:
R emergency braking situations, e.g. if the
Brake Assist System (BAS) ( Y page 64) is
activated
or when
vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS:
the BAS PLUS ( Y page 64) or the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69) is strongly
engaging
R when the radar sensors recognize the
immediate risk of collision in certain
situations (vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS)
R critical dynamic driving situations, e.g.
when the vehicle has been caused to
understeer or oversteer because it has
exceeded its physical limitations or in case
of evasive steering maneuvers at speeds
above approximately 85 mph (140 km/h)
The PRE-SAFE ®
system takes the following
measures when it is activated:
R The front seat belts are pre-tensioned
automatically.
R If the front passenger seat is in an
unfavorable position, the seat will be
adjusted to a position that seeks to better
protect the occupant.
R If a rear outer power seat (if so equipped)
is in an unfavorable position, the seat will
be adjusted to a position that seeks to
better protect the occupant.
R The system increases the air pressure in
the air pockets (on the sides of the seat
cushion and backrest) of the multicontour
and/or drive-dynamic multicontour front
seats.
R If the vehicle is equipped with multicontour
rear seats, the system increases the air
pressure in the air pockets (on the sides of
the seat backrest) of the multicontour rear
outer seats.
R If the vehicle is in a critical dynamic driving
situation, the door windows and the tilt/
sliding sunroof or panorama roof with tilt/
sliding panel also closes, except for a
minimal gap that remains open.
If the closing procedure of any of these
elements is blocked, it will stop and open
slightly.
Once the hazardous situation no longer exists
and an accident has been avoided, the PRE-
SAFE ®
system loosens the seat belt pre-
tension and decreases the air pressure in the
air pockets of the multicontour and/or drive-
dynamic multicontour seats. All of the PRE-
SAFE ®
system settings can be re-adjusted
following the critical driving event.
If the seat belts do not release:XAdjust the seat backrest to the rear until
the seat belt tension is reduced.
The locking mechanism releases.54Occupant safetySafety and security
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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.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Using the radar sensors, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects obstacles that are in your
driving path for a sufficient period of time for
the system to recognize it. If you approach a
vehicle and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has
established that the distance to the vehicle
ahead at your current speed is so close that
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of
slowing the vehicle sufficiently, the system
will initially warn you visually and acoustically.
If you do not apply the brakes yourself or
maneuver around a sensed obstacle, the
vehicle will brake lightly automatically. The
PRE-SAFE ®
system ( Y page 54) is activated
when the distance to the vehicle ahead at
your current speed is so close that the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of slowing
the vehicle sufficiently.
When the danger of a collision still persists
and you do not brake or accelerate
significantly, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
initiate full application of the brakes
automatically.GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will only respond with
brake assistance if it has clearly detected an
object. Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake uses radar signals that
are not reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not react to persons,
animals, and approaching traffic or cross-
traffic.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front of you, such as
motorcycles and vehicles driving offset from
your vehicle center.
GWarning!
Depending on the vehicle speed, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake brakes your vehicle with a
maximum of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
) before a
possible hard stop. This corresponds to about
40% of the maximum deceleration ability of
your vehicle. The driver must apply the brakes
additionally in order to prevent a collision. The
self-acting hard stop will be initiated when the
imminent danger of a collision exists, e.g.
when an evasive driving maneuver cannot
avoid an accident.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake applies the brake pedal
automatically which results in the brake pedal
moving. Therefore keep driver’s foot area
clear at all times, including the area under the
brake pedal. Objects stored in this area may
impair pedal movement which could interfere
with the braking ability of the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
– your foot could become caught.
70Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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