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
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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
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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
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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
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.
ModelEngine,
type
MB sheet
number
S 450 4MATIC74273229.5S 55075273229.5S 550 4MATIC273229.5S 600275229.5S 63 AMG156229.576S 65 AMG275229.5
iMB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers.
Viscosity grades for engine oils
Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
Engine oil additives
! Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
GWarning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
74Canada only.75USA only.76Restriction: Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.
540Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Maintenance
Booklet for replacement interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information.
Premium unleaded gasoline
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
! To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
R Have the fuel tank only partially filled
with unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
with premium unleaded gasoline as soon
as possible.
R Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
R Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded with a
light load such as two persons and no
luggage.
R Do not exceed 2
/ 3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the vehicle
is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded gasoline. The
octane number (posted at the pump) must be
91 min. It is an average of both the Research
Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON)/2. This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Reformulated gasolines (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, TAME, ETBE, IPA, IBA, and
TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one
of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is not
allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by
gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only
the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of carbon
deposits.
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After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits can
build up, especially on the intake valves and
in the combustion area, leading to engine
performance problems such as:
R Warm-up hesitation
R Unstable idle
R Knocking/pinging
R Misfire
R Power loss
In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasoline which contains these additives, the
use of Mercedes-Benz approved additives is
recommended.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a
listing of approved products. Follow
directions on the product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and may
be harmful to the engine operation.
! Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending additional
fuel additives other than those tested and
approved by us for use on Mercedes-Benz
vehicles are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty or by any pre-owned
or Extended Limited Warranties.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
R Corrosion protection
R Freeze protection
R Boiling protection (by increasing the boiling
point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection to
approximately -35‡ (-37†) and corrosion
protection.
! Add premixed coolant solution only.
Adding water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze separately from each other,
could cause engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -35‡
(-37† ), the boiling point of the coolant in the
pressurized cooling system is reached at
approximately 266‡ (130†).
The coolant solution must be used year round
to provide the necessary corrosion protection
and increase boil-over protection. Refer to
the Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solution
or other Mercedes-Benz approved products
of equal specification are used to renew the
coolant concentration or bring it back up to
the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (equivalent to
freeze protection to approximately -35‡
[-37†]).
If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection
to approximately -49‡ [-45†]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this amount
of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze should be used to
bring it up to the proper level (have cooling
system checked for signs of leakage). Please
make sure the mixture is in accordance with
label instructions.542Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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