
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 

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 

! 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
408Engine compartmentOperation
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To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Grease and oil
R Fuel
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Bird droppings
R Insects
R Tree resins etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above
adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage. Any
damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of
the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thorough
check is a washing of the underbody followed
by a thorough inspection. Damaged areas
need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory
with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of the
vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither
necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-
Benz because of the possibility of
incompatibility between materials used in the
production process and others applied later.
We have selected vehicle-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and which
always reflect the latest technology. You can
obtain Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the vehicle-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references to
Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products.
Power washer
!  Follow the instructions provided by the
power washer manufacturer on
maintaining a distance between the vehicle
and the nozzle of the power washer.
Never use a round nozzle to power-wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across
the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical
parts, electrical connectors, seals, or other
rubber parts.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and
become more difficult to remove. A tar
remover is recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
!  Affixing stickers, magnets, adhesive tape
or similar materials to painted body
components may damage the paintwork.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should
be applied when water drops on the paint
surface do not “bead up”. This should
Vehicle care441Operation221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 441Z 

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