2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC Suspension

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

CockpitFunctionPage:Combination switch:Turn signals301Wipers305High beam301;Cruise control lever:Cruise control328DISTRONIC PLUS330=Horn ?Multifunction steering
wheel221
AInstrument cluster326BSteering wheel gearshift
control323
CGear selector lever317DControl panel with:Front passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp46
Vehicle level control switch344,
345
FunctionPageSuspension tuning switch343,
346
Parktronic/Parking
Guidance deactivation
switch
347,
350
Swiveling COMAND display78COMAND display
illumination78
Instrument cluster display
illumination326
ECOMAND display78FOverhead control panel37GClimate control363Center console36HGlove box lock381ICD/DVD changer179SD card slot180JControl systems controls34KStarter switch28430CockpitAt a glance
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 30

Effect=With this selection you can use the
braking effect of the engine.
5Allows the use of the engine’s
braking effect when driving
Ron steep downgrades
Rin mountainous regions
Runder extreme operating
conditions
4For maximum use of the engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.
Automatic shift program
The program mode selector switch is used to
adjust
Rthe shift program
Rthe suspension tuning of the AIRMATIC or
the ABC system
Rthe engine control
Program mode selector switch
C ComfortFor comfort drivingS SportFor sporty driving
Program mode selector switch on AMG vehicles
C ComfortFor standard drivingS SportFor sporty drivingM ManualFor manual gearshifting
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
:Program mode indicator
You should only change the program mode
when the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
The last selected automatic program mode
(C or S) is active when the engine is restarted.
XPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the multifunction
display.
322Automatic transmissionControls in detail
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 322

Ryou depress the brake pedal fully again
until the message HOLD in the multifunction
display disappears
Ryou engage the electronic parking brake
Ryou activate the DISTRONIC PLUS
iAfter a while, the vehicle will be secured
by the electronic parking brake to relieve
the service brake.
GWarning!
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal
Rthe HOLD function or the power supply is
malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery failure
Rthe electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
Rthe battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the HOLD
function is activated!
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
electronic parking brake. It must not be used
to secure the vehicle when parking.
Deactivate the HOLD function when leaving
or parking the vehicle. Use the electronic
parking brake to secure the vehicle.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
automatic transmission shifts into park
position P automatically when
Ropening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
Rturning off the engine
Ropening the hood
Ra system malfunction occurs
Rthe on-board voltage is insufficient
The HOLD function is deactivated.
AIRMATIC
Introduction
The AIRMATIC lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and
suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(Y page 343) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 344).
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is
controlled electronically and operates
continuously. It adjusts the damping
characteristics to the current operating and
driving conditions. The damping is adjusted
individually for each wheel. Driving safety and
tire comfort are increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour personal settings
The selected setting remains stored in
memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Driving systems343Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 343Z

XStart the engine.
Sporty damping adjustment
The firmer suspension tuning in sport driving
mode provides enhanced road contact.
Select this mode for example, on winding
highways.
XIf indicator lamp ; is not lit: Press ADS
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The sport
driving mode with a firmer suspension
tuning is selected. The message
AIRMATIC SPORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Comfort damping adjustment
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
XIf indicator lamp ; is lit: Press ADS
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The comfort
driving mode is selected. The message
AIRMATIC COMFORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Vehicle level control
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height.
The all-around vehicle level control provides
best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance. The vehicle lowers at high
speed automatically in order to increase
driving safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
The following vehicle levels are available:
Rnormal
Rraised; the vehicle is raised by
approximately 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to
normal level
Rlowered; the vehicle is lowered by
approximately 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to
normal level
You can choose between normal or raised
level when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is running.
The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With
increasing speed, ride height is reduced by up
to approximately 0.8 in (20 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
iThese height adjustments are so small
that you may not notice any change.
Adjusting vehicle level manually
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the normal level for driving on normal
roads. Select the raised level for driving on
rough roads or with snow chains. Select the
raised level only when required by current
driving conditions. Otherwise, the handling
may be impaired and the fuel consumption
may increase.
The selected vehicle level setting remains
stored in memory even if the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch.
Selecting raised level
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is off:
344Driving systemsControls in detail
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 344

XBriefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle
adjusts from normal level to raised level.
The message: Vehicle Rising appears in
the multifunction display when adjusting
from normal level to raised level. The
message disappears when the vehicle is
raised. Indicator lamp ; is then lit.
When the vehicle is in raised level, pressing
vehicle level control switch : will return
the vehicle to normal level.
The vehicle is lowered to the normal level
automatically when
R the vehicle speed is above 75 mph
(120 km/h)
R the vehicle speed stays between 50 mph
(80 km/h) and 75 mph (120 km/h) for
approximately 3 minutes.
Indicator lamp ; in
vehicle level control switch : goes out.
If you do not drive in this speed range, the
selected vehicle level setting remains stored
in memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Selecting normal level
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is on:
XBriefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle
adjusts from raised level to normal level.
ABC
The ABC system is an active, computer-
controlled system that adjusts the
suspension hydraulically at all four wheels in
response to various driving situations. It
selects the optimum suspension tuning and
ride height for your vehicle automatically.
Vehicle level control
Your vehicle adjusts its ride height
automatically to increase vehicle safety and
to reduce fuel consumption.
The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With
increasing speed, the ride height is reduced
by up to approximately 0.6 in (15 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
These height adjustments are so small that
you may not notice any change.
GWarning!
When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is lowered. You should therefore make
sure that no one is near the wheel housing or
under the vehicle when you turn off the
engine. Otherwise, parts of the individuals
body could be trapped.
! When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is lowered. When parking, position
your vehicle in such a way that it will not
scrape against a curb, for example, when it
is lowered. Your vehicle could otherwise be
damaged.
i S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG only:
When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is lowered by 0.4 in (10 mm).
Setting the vehicle level
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Driving systems345Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 345Z

The following vehicle level settings can be
selected when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is running:
LevelUse forIndicator
lamp
NormalFor driving on
normal roads.
The
indicator
lamp is off.
RaisedFor driving on
rough roads or
with snow chains
(Y page 433).
The
indicator
lamp is on.
Select the “Raised” level setting only when
required by current driving conditions.
Otherwise the fuel consumption may
increase and/or the handling may be
impaired.
iThe selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted.
XStart the engine.
Selecting a higher level
If indicator lamp ; is off:
XPress vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle is
raised to a higher level.
Selecting a normal level
If indicator lamp ; is on:
XPress vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to a normal level.
Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning of the ABC system is
adjusted for each wheel individually and
depends on:
Ryour driving style
Rthe road condition, such as bumps etc.
Ryour individual selection, sporty or
comfortable
Rthe vehicle loading
iThe selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted.
XStart the engine.
Sporty suspension tuning
The firmer chassis and suspension setup in
sport driving mode provides enhanced road
contact. Select this mode when you prefer a
firmer chassis and suspension setup.
XWhen indicator lamp ; is off: Press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The sporty
chassis and suspension setup is selected.
The message ABC Active Body Control
SPORT appears in the multifunction display.
346Driving systemsControls in detail
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 346

Comfort suspension tuning
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style.XWhen indicator lamp ; is on: Press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The
comfortable chassis and suspension setup
is selected.
The message ABC Active Body Control
COMFORT appears in the multifunction
display.
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the ESC
( Y page 66) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) ( Y page 67).
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 432) or
snow chains as required.
Parktronic system
The Parktronic system with Parking Guidance
is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic
sensors designed to assist the driver during
parking maneuvers. The Parktronic system
indicates the relative distance between the
vehicle and an obstacle visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
R you switch on the ignition
and
R you release the electronic parking brake
or
R you start the engine
and
R shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P or engage the electronic
parking brake and turn off the engine.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sensors
Driving systems347Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 347Z