Upload/Download of Data ...............95
USB socket ...................................... 80
Vehicle settings ............................. 206
Video DVD ..................................... 191
Voice Control System ....................237
Combination switch .......................... 301
Controller (COMAND) .......................... 79
Control system .................................. 220
Multifunction display .....................222
Multifunction steering wheel .........221
Control system menus ...................... 222
AMG ............................................... 227
Assistance ..................................... 231
Audio ............................................. 226
Navi ............................................... 225
Service ........................................... 233
Settings ......................................... 234
Telephone ...................................... 230
Trip ................................................ 223
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............543
Capacities .............................. 538, 539
Checking level ............................... 408
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 480
Temperature gauge ........................ 327
Corner-illuminating lamps ................ 303
Cruise control .................................... 328
Activating ....................................... 328
Canceling ....................................... 329
Changing the set speed .................329
Last stored speed ..........................330
Lever .............................................. 328
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 458
Resume function ............................ 330
Setting current speed ....................329
Cup holders ........................................ 384
Curb weight ....................................... 430
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 24
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 25
Daytime running lamp mode ............ 299
Switching on or off ......................... 234
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) ..................... 371
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......370
Rear window .................................. 372
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 314
With starting .................................. 312
Digital speedometer
Additional speedometer ................. 235
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 422
Displays
COMAND display ............................. 78
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Maintenance service indicator .......439
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 452
Multifunction display .....................222
Symbol messages ..........................466
Text messages ............................... 454
Trip computer ................................ 223
Vehicle status message memory ...233
Display settings (COMAND) ................ 92
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 330
Cleaning system sensors ...............443
Displaying the distance graphic .....334
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 333
Distance warning lamp ..........333, 496
Driving ........................................... 336
Driving with .................................... 339
Lever .............................................. 335
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 459
Resume function ............................ 338
Sensor cover .................................. 443
Speed settings ............................... 337
Stopping ........................................ 337
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 61
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) . 275Index7221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 7
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
Transmission positions .................... 320
Traveling abroad ............................... 438
Tread (tires) ....................................... 432
Tread depth (tires) .................... 423, 432
Treadwear .......................................... 424
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 423, 432
Trip menu ........................................... 223
Trunk
Closing ........................................... 280
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening ......................................... 279
Opening/closing system ...............281
Opening-height restriction .............210
Tie-down hooks .............................. 381
Trunk lid emergency release ..........282
Unlocking manually .......................500
Valet locking .................................. 283
Turning off the engine ...................... 316
Turn signals ....................................... 301
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Indicator lamps ................................ 32
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 488
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 424, 432
Units
Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 235
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 541
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 275
Manually ........................................ 499
SmartKey ....................................... 274
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 446
USB devices (media interface) ......... 200
USB socket ........................................... 80
Useful features .................................. 384
V
Valet locking ...................................... 283
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 512
Care ............................................... 440
Control system .............................. 220
Identification Number (VIN) ...........524
Individual settings ..........................234
Locking/unlocking ........................274
Lowering (wheel change) ...............512
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 23
Towing ........................................... 516
Unlocking/locking manually ..........499
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 524
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see AIRMATIC
Vehicle lighting .................................. 298
Vehicle loading
Instructions .................................... 379
Load limit ....................................... 419
Roof rack ....................................... 380
Terminology ................................... 430
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 432
Vehicle specification
S 450 4MATIC ............................... 527
S 550 ............................................. 527
S 550 4MATIC ............................... 528
S 600 ............................................. 529
S 63 AMG ...................................... 530
S 65 AMG ...................................... 531
Vehicle status message memory .... 233
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 450
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
Video .................................................. 191
Video Aux ........................................... 186
Voice Control System
Address book ................................. 249
CD/DVD changer/MP3 .................255
Command list ................................ 257
External devices ............................. 257
Individualization ............................. 271
Introduction ................................... 237
Navigation ..................................... 240Index19221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 19
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperature is close to the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
( Y page 432) with a minimum tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels
for the winter season to ensure normal
balanced handling characteristics. On
packed snow, they can reduce your stopping
distance compared to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Temperature GWarning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Rotating tires
GWarning!
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.
GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle’s rims.
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all around.
If your vehicle is equipped with tires of the
same dimension all around, tires can be
rotated, observing a front-to-rear rotation
pattern that will maintain the intended
rotation (spinning) direction of the tire
( Y page 422).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle is
equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire
dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation is not
possible.
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire
configuration, tires can be rotated according
to the tire manufacturer’s recommended
intervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should be
rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles (5 000 to
10 000 km), or sooner if necessary, according
to the degree of tire wear. The same rotation
(spinning) direction must be maintained.
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder wear
on front tires and tread center wear on rear
tires).
Tires and wheels425Operation221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 425Z
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
repeatedly until the windshield wipers
start.
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
when the wiper arms are in a vertical
position.
Removing wiper blades
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
XFold the wiper arm forward until it snaps
into place.
XTurn the wiper blade in direction of
arrow \000F.
XSlide the wiper blade sideways out of the
retainer in the direction of arrow \000G.
Installing wiper blades
XSlide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm
until it locks in place.
XRotate the wiper blade into a position
parallel to the wiper arm.
XFold the wiper arm backward to rest on the
windshield.
Make sure you hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blades are installed
properly. Improperly installed wiper blades
may cause windshield damage.
Flat tire
Safety notes
GWarning!
The dimensions of the spare wheel are
different from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style
accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with a spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible to have the
spare wheel replaced with a regular road
wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
Preparing the vehicle
XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.
XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.
XEngage the electronic parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Open the
driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in
position 0, same as with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch). The
driver’s door can then be closed again.
508Flat tirePractical hints
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 508
Vehicle specification S 450 4MATIC
(221.084)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
i The S 450 4MATIC is available in Canada
only.Engine S 450 4MATICEngine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore3.66 in (92.90 mm)Stroke3.39 in (86.00 mm)Total piston
displacement284.6 cu in
(4 663 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.5:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 46335 hp/6
000 rpm
(250 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349339 lb-ft/
2 700 - 5 000 rpm
(460 Nm/
2 700 - 5 000 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 404 mmElectrical system S 450 4MATICAlternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWElectrical system S 450 4MATICBattery12 V/95 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK PLKR 6ABosch Y 7 MPP33Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions S 450 4MATICOverall vehicle
length200.1 in (5 100 mm)Overall vehicle
width 4783.5 in (2
120 mm)Overall vehicle
height58.2 in (1 479 mm)Wheelbase119.5 in (3 035 mm)Track, front63.0 in (1 600 mm)Track, rear63.2 in (1 606 mm)Turning circle38.7 ft (11.8 m)Weights S 450 4MATICRoof loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification S 550 (221.171)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
i The S 550 is available in the USA only.
46
Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
47 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.Vehicle specification S 550 (221.171)527Technical data221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 527Z
Engine S 550Engine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore3.86 in (98.00 mm)Stroke3.56 in (90.50 mm)Total piston
displacement333.3 cu in
(5 461 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.7:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 48382 hp/6
000 rpm
(285 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349391 lb-ft/3 000 rpm
( 530 Nm/3 000 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 404 mmElectrical system S 550Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWBattery12 V/95 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK PLKR 6ABosch Y 7 MPP33Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions S 550Overall vehicle
length206.7 in (5 250 mm)Overall vehicle
width 4983.5 in (2
120 mm)Overall vehicle
height58.2 in (1 479 mm)Wheelbase124.6 in (3 165 mm)Track, front63.0 in (1 600 mm)Track, rear63.2 in (1 606 mm)Turning circle40.0 ft (12.2 m)Weights S 550Roof loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification S 550 4MATIC
(221.186)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
Engine S 550 4MATICEngine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore3.86 in (98.00 mm)Stroke3.56 in (90.50 mm)Total piston
displacement333.3 cu in
(5 461 cm 3
)48 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
49 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.528Vehicle specification S 550 4MATIC (221.186)Technical data
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 528
Engine S 550 4MATICCompression
ratio10.5:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 50382 hp/6
000 rpm
(285 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349391 lb-ft/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm
(530 Nm/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 404 mmElectrical system S 550 4MATICAlternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWBattery12 V/95 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK PLKR 6ABosch Y 7 MPP33Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions S 550 4MATICOverall vehicle
length206.7 in (5 250 mm)Overall vehicle
width 5183.5 in (2
120 mm)Overall vehicle
height58.2 in (1 479 mm)Main dimensions S 550 4MATICWheelbase124.6 in (3 165 mm)Track, front63.0 in (1 600 mm)Track, rear63.2 in (1 606 mm)Turning circle40.0 ft (12.2 m)Weights S 550 4MATICRoof loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification S 600 (221.176)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
Engine S 600Engine, type275Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders12Bore3.23 in (82.00 mm)Stroke3.43 in (87.00 mm)Total piston
displacement336.4 cu in
(5 513 cm 3
)Compression
ratio9.0:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 52510 hp/5
000 rpm
(380 kW/5 000 rpm)50
Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
51 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.
52 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.Vehicle specification S 600 (221.176)529Technical data221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 529Z