Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 27Safety and security .............................39Control systems .................................. 75Controls in detail .............................. 273Operation ........................................... 401Practical hints ................................... 449Technical data ................................... 523
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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
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ......274
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening from inside ......................278
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......394
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........499
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 430
Drinking and driving ......................... 434
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats .. 219
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 438
Hydroplaning ................................. 437
Instructions ........................... 311, 434
In winter ........................................ 433
Problems ....................................... 314
Safety systems ................................ 63
Systems ......................................... 327
Through standing water .................437
With DISTRONIC PLUS ...................339
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 311
Driving off .................................. 313, 437
Driving safety systems ....................... 63
ABS .................................................. 63
Adaptive Brake ................................ 65
Adaptive Brake Lights ......................66
BAS .................................................. 64
BAS PLUS ........................................ 64
EBP .................................................. 66
ESC .................................................. 66
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 67
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 69
Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) .............345
AIRMATIC ...................................... 343
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 347
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................355
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 359
Cruise control ................................ 328
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 330
Hill-start assist system ..................341
HOLD function ............................... 342
Lane Keeping Assist ......................362
Night View Assist Plus ...................356
Parking Guidance ........................... 350Parktronic system ..........................347
Rear view camera .......................... 354
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 321
DVD, audio ......................................... 176
DVD, video ......................................... 191
E
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 66
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 388
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic parking brake .................. 315
Electronic Stability Control see ESC
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 450
Flat tire .......................................... 508
Hazard warning flasher ..................302
Roadside Assistance ................ 22, 391
Towing the vehicle .........................516
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 390
Telephone ...................................... 150
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 521
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......394
Trunk lid, emergency release .........282
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 438
Information label ............................ 525
System warranties ...........................21
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............402
Cleaning ......................................... 442
Compartment ................................ 404
Malfunction indicator lamp ............496
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 480
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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
Fuses .................................................. 519Index9221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 9
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
Call waiting, call holding, and
conference ..................................... 158
Emergency call “911” ....................150
Functions during a single party
call ................................................. 157
Making calls ................................... 156
Menu ............................................. 230
Operation ....................................... 230
Phone book ........................... 159, 231
Redialing ........................................ 231
Telephone keypad ............................... 79
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 327
Interior temperature ......................367
Outside .......................................... 327
Tether anchorage points
see Children in the vehicle
Tie-down hooks ................................. 381
Tightening torque
Wheels ........................................... 512
Time settings ....................................... 92
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 432
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 418
Tire and loading terminology ........... 430
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 413
Important notes on ........................412
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 412
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar .....418
Tire labeling ....................................... 426
Tire load rating .................................. 431
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 432
Tires ........................................... 410, 532
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 414
Air pressure ................................... 411
Care and maintenance ...................423
Cleaning ......................................... 424
Direction of rotation, spinning .......422
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 412Inflation pressure ........................... 413
Information placard .......................418
Inspection ...................................... 423
Labeling ......................................... 426
Load index ............................. 426, 431
Load rating .................................... 431
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 464, 489
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 432
Problems under-/overinflation ......413
Retreads ........................................ 410
Rims and tires (technical data) ......532
Rotation ......................................... 425
Service life ..................................... 423
Sizes .............................................. 532
Snow chains .................................. 433
Speed rating .......................... 427, 432
Storing ........................................... 424
Temperature .......................... 412, 425
Terminology ................................... 430
Tire Identification Number .............432
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................497
Traction ................................. 424, 432
Tread ............................................. 432
Tread depth ........................... 423, 432
Treadwear ...................................... 424
Treadwear indicators .............423, 432
Vehicle maximum load on ..............432
Wear pattern .................................. 425
Winter tires ............................ 432, 532
Tire speed rating ....................... 427, 432
Top tether see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 432
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 517
Vehicle ........................................... 516
Towing eye bolt ................................. 517
Traction ...................................... 424, 432
Traffic messages ............................... 138
Transfer case ..................................... 325
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 408
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever 18Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 18
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are
familiar with the following information and
rules:
R the safety precautions in this manual
R the “Technical data” section in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R motor vehicle laws and safety standardsGWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removing
warning labels may cause you and others to
be unaware of certain risks which may result
in an accident and/or personal injury.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected if required. If the matter is not
handled to your satisfaction, please discuss
the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center
management or, if necessary, contact us at
one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting safety defects
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of
manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S.
Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
of 1966”.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
www.safercar.gov ; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from
www.safercar.gov .
24Introduction221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 24
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESC
engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESC. The ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESC, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
Switching off the ESC
Switching off the ESC (except S 63 AMG)
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESC immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESC will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESC,
R the ESC does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the ETS/4-ETS will still apply the brakes to
a spinning wheel
R the ESC continues to operate when you are
braking
Driving safety systems67Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 67Z