2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC Pre safe

Symbols
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The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.DisplayText in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 2

Our company and staff congratulate you on
the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a
demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and will provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of
many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To
help assure your driving pleasure, and also
the safety of you and your passengers, we ask
you to make a small investment of time:
R Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
R Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
R Please pay attention to the warnings and
cautions contained in this manual. They are
designed to help improve the safety of the
vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of
safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler Company2215847682 É2215847682>ËÍ
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 1

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

Break-in period .................................. 402
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 24
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 22
Calls (phone) .............................. 148, 230
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 537
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 446
CD player ............................................ 176
Central locking
Automatic ...................................... 278
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 275
Locking/unlocking from inside ......279
SmartKey ....................................... 274
Central locking/unlocking switch ... 279
Certification label .............................. 524
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 41
Child safety locks (rear doors) .........61
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) ........................................... 60
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off ................................ 46
Infant and child restraint systems .... 57
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) ..................................... 60
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
Override switch ................................ 61
Safety notes ..................................... 56
Tether anchorage points ..................59
Top tether ........................................ 59
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 447
Cigarette lighters .............................. 387
Climate control system .................... 363
Air conditioning ............................. 366
Air conditioning refrigerant ............540
Air distribution ............................... 370
Air recirculation mode ...................371
Air volume ..................................... 370
Automatic mode ............................ 366
Deactivating system ......................366
Front defroster .............................. 370
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........371
Residual heat and ventilation .........372
Temperature .................................. 367
Coat hooks ......................................... 380
Cockpit ................................................. 30
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 430
Collapsible wheel chock ................... 450
COMAND .............................................. 76
Address book ................................. 159
Audio playback .............................. 176
AUX sockets .................................. 186
Components .................................... 77
Controller ......................................... 79
FM/AM Radio ................................ 165
Gracenote ®
Media Database .........185
HD Radio™ .................................... 167
Headphone ...................................... 82
Inserting/ejecting CDs and DVDs . 179
Introduction ..................................... 76
iPod ®
............................................. 200
Media interface .............................. 200
Music Register ............................... 196
Navigation ........................................ 95
Operating ......................................... 84
Phone book .................................... 159
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...189
Remote control (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ....................81
Remote control (SPLITVIEW) ............81
Reset to factory settings ..................95
Satellite radio ................................ 170
SD card .......................................... 180
Shortcut buttons .............................. 77
SPLITVIEW ....................................... 90
Switching on or off ........................... 77
System settings ............................... 91
Telephone ...................................... 148
Telephone keypad ............................ 796Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 6

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
8Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 8

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

Multifunction display messages
ABC (Active Body Control) .............457
ABS ....................................... 467, 468
Active headlamps .......................... 485
Advanced Parking Guidance ..........461
Advanced TPMS ............................. 464
Air bags ......................................... 455
AIRMATIC ...................................... 476
Alternator .............................. 463, 482
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................476
Automatic
transmission .......................... 462, 463
Battery ................................... 463, 482
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 460
Brake fluid ..................................... 472
Brake pads ..................................... 466
Coolant .......................................... 480
Corner-illuminating lamps ..............488
Cruise control ................................ 458
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 459
Doors ............................................. 478
EBP ................................................ 468
Engine oil ....................................... 483
ESC ............................... 467, 468, 473
Fog lamps .............................. 485, 487
Front passenger front air bag ........455
Gas cap .......................................... 484
High-beam lamps ........................... 486
Hood .............................................. 478
Lane Keeping Assist ......................462
License plate lamps .......................486
Light sensor ................................... 487
Low-beam lamps ............................ 487
Night View Assist Plus ...................477
Parking lamps ................................ 486
PRE-SAFE ®
.................................... 454
Radar sensors ................................ 461
Reserve fuel ................................... 484
Reverse lamp ................................. 485
Side marker lamps .........................485
SmartKey ....................................... 478
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO ..........478
SRS ................................................ 474
Tele Aid .......................................... 474
Tire inflation pressure ............464, 489
Tire pressure monitor ....................464
Tires ...................................... 464, 489Trunk ............................................. 478
Turn signals ................................... 488
Multifunction steering wheel
Adjustment .................................... 293
Buttons .......................................... 221
Cleaning ......................................... 446
Gearshift control ............................ 323
Heating .......................................... 294
Memory function ........................... 297
Music Register ................................... 196
N
Navigation ............................................ 95
Alternative route ............................ 138
Compass ........................................ 137
Destination memory ......................145
Entering a destination ....................106
Entering a stopover ........................ 122
Introduction ..................................... 95
Lane recommendation ...................131
Last destinations ........................... 147
Map software version ......................96
Points of interest (POI) ................... 124
Route guidance .............................. 129
Traffic messages ............................ 138
Zagat ®
Rating Service ....................128
“Where am I?” function ..................136
Navi menu .......................................... 225
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ............................................. 55
Resetting ....................................... 501
Nets, parcel ....................................... 380
Night security illumination .............. 208
Night View Assist Plus ...................... 356
Cleaning the windshield in front of
the camera .................................... 444
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 477
Normal occupant weight .................. 431
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN) ................................................... 525
Index13221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 13

O
Occupant Classification System see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)
Occupant distribution ....................... 431
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 41
Children and air bags .......................41
Children in the vehicle .....................56
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) ........................................... 60
Fastening the seat belts ................... 51
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 46, 498
Infant and child restraint systems .... 57
Introduction ..................................... 40
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) ..................................... 60
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
PRE-SAFE ®
....................................... 54
Seat belts .................................. 43, 49
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ................................................ 46
Self-test ........................................... 49
Odometer ........................................... 223
Oil, oil level see Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting ..................... 323
Operating safety .................................. 23
Ornamental moldings, cleaning ....... 443
Overhead control panel ...................... 37
P
Paintwork, cleaning .......................... 441
Paintwork code ................................. 525
Panic alarm .......................................... 62
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ...................................... 377
Cleaning ......................................... 445
Operation ....................................... 377
Roller sunblinds ............................. 375
Synchronizing ................................ 378
Parcel nets ......................................... 380
Parking ............................................... 314
Parking Guidance ..................350, 352
Parktronic system ..........................347
Parking Guidance .............................. 350
Canceling ....................................... 354
Detecting a parking space .............351
Parking .......................................... 352
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ..............295
Transmission position ....................320
Parktronic system
Cleaning system sensors ...............443
Malfunction .................................... 350
Minimum distance .........................348
Sensor range ................................. 348
Switching on/off ........................... 349
System sensors ............................. 348
Warning indicators .........................349
Parts service ...................................... 524
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 434
Phone see Telephone
Phone book ........................................ 159
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 446
Power assistance .............................. 435
Power closing assist for doors and
trunk lid .............................................. 283
Power outlets .................................... 388
Power seats see Seats
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Operation ....................................... 373
Synchronizing ................................ 375
Power washer .................................... 441
Power windows ................................. 307
Cleaning ......................................... 445
Operation ....................................... 307
Rear door window, override
switch .............................................. 61
Rear door window sunshades ........308
Synchronizing ................................ 308
Practical hints ................................... 45014Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 14