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
contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car”
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372), or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safetyGWarning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Introduction23221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 23Z
Instrument clusterFunctionPage:Coolant temperature gauge327;Fuel gauge with:Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp496
K High-beam headlamp
indicator lamp 301
! Antilock Brake
System (ABS) indicator
lamp 490
6 Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp 494
=Parktronic/Parking
Guidance warning indicator
for left front area349
?Multifunction display with:Speedometer F Electronic parking
brake warning or indicator
lamps, USA only492
FunctionPage! Electronic parking
brake warning or indicator
lamps, Canada only492
$ Brake warning lamp,
USA only492
J Brake warning lamp,
Canada only492
7 Seat belt telltale 493h Combination low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale, USA
only
414,
497
h Low tire pressure
telltale, Canada only
414,
497
# Left turn signal
indicator lamp
! Right turn signal
indicator lamp
÷ ESC warning lamp 473· Distance warning
lamp14961Vehicles without DISTRONIC PLUS: Warning lamp without function. It illuminates when the ignition is on. Itshould go out when the engine is running.
32Instrument clusterAt a glance
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FunctionPageå ESC OFF warning
lamp
473
j Parking space indicator
lamp
350
é Recuperative Brake
System (RBS) warning
lamp, S 400 HYBRID only 2Green or yellow READY
indicator lamp for the
HYBRID system, S 400
HYBRID only 2AParktronic/Parking
Guidance warning indicator
for right front area
349
BTransmission position/
range indicator
321
CTachometer with: ; Engine malfunction
indicator lamp
496
FunctionPageDProgram mode indicator322EMain menus for instrument
cluster control system
222
FOutside temperature327GDisplay with:Additional speedometer235_ Adaptive Highbeam
Assist indicator lamp
301
à Lane Keeping
Assistance indicator lamp
362
À Attention Assist
indicator lamp
355
Ä PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
indicator lamp
232
orHOLD function indicator
lamp
3422 See separate HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions.Instrument cluster33At a glance221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 33Z
Center consoleFunctionPage:Thumbwheel for air volume
control for left center air
vent368
;Thumbwheel for air volume
control for right center air
vent368
=Air distribution and air
volume, driver’s side
(automatic mode)366
?Temperature control,
driver’s side367
AManual fan speed
adjustment, driver’s side370
BFront defroster370CAir recirculation371DClimate control on/off366EResidual engine heat and
ventilation (REST)372
FRear window defroster372FunctionPageGManual fan speed
adjustment, passenger side370
HTemperature control,
passenger side367
IAir distribution and air
volume, passenger side
(automatic mode)366
JAlarm system indicator
lamp72
KCup holder384LAshtray387Cigarette lighter387MCD/DVD changer179SD card slot18036Center consoleAt a glance
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Vehicle equipment
i This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Occupant safety
Introduction
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts
R Child restraints
R
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
(LATCH) also known as ISOFIX
Additional protection potential is provided by:
R
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with
- Air bags
- Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
-
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for
seat belts
- Seat belt force limiter
R NECK-PRO active front head restraints
R
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-SAFE ®
)
R Air bag system components with
- Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
- Front passenger seat with
Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
Although the systems are independent, their
protective functions work in conjunction with
each other.
GWarning!
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See “Children in the vehicle”
( Y page 56) for information on
R infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle
R restraint systems for infants and children
SRS indicator lamp
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of system malfunctions.
The SRS indicator lamp 6 in the
instrument cluster comes on when the
ignition is switched on. It goes out no later
than a few seconds after the engine has been
started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the SRS indicator lamp
6 is not lit while the engine is running.
40Occupant safetySafety and security
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GWarning!
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction when the SRS indicator lamp
6
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out after approximately
4 seconds after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury. The SRS
might also deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury
as well.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates
a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment. Work
on the SRS must therefore only be performed
by qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
USA only: Call our Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Air bags
GWarning!
Air bags are designed to reduce the potential
of injury and fatality in certain
R frontal impacts (front air bags)
R side impacts (side impact air bags and
window curtain air bags)
R rollovers (window curtain air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
Deployment of the air bags temporarily
releases a small amount of dust from the air
bags. This dust, however, is neither harmful
to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the
vehicle. The dust might cause some
temporary breathing difficulty for people with
asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid
this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any
breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the
vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh
air by opening a window or door.GWarning!
To reduce the risk of injury when the front air
bags inflate, it is very important for the driver
and front passenger to always be in a properly
seated position and to wear their respective
seat belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision always be in normal seated position
with your back against the seat backrest.
Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is
properly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver’s seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver’s chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
Occupant safety41Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 41Z