2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC Tire chains

S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................63
Occupant safety ............................... 40
Reporting defects ............................ 24
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Satellite radio .................................... 170
SD card ............................................... 180
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 53
Seat belts ............................................. 49
Adjustment function ........................52
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........54
Children in the vehicle .....................56
Cleaning ......................................... 446
Fastening ......................................... 51
Height adjustment ...........................52
Proper use of ................................... 50
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Safety notes ..................................... 49
Telltale ..................................... 32, 493
Seat heating ....................................... 292
Seating capacity ................................ 419
Seats .................................................. 286
Adjustment .................................... 286
Drive-dynamic ................................ 219
Heating .......................................... 292
Memory function ........................... 297
Multicontour, front ......................... 218
Multicontour, rear ..........................293
Ventilation ..................................... 292
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down hooks ....................381
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 49
Tele Aid .......................................... 389
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 524
Service and warranty information ..... 21Service intervals
see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 423
Service menu ..................................... 233
Settings
Automatic locking ..........................210
Automatic mirror folding ................209
Display settings (COMAND) .............92
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 208
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......277
Factory setting (SmartKey) ............275
Individual (vehicle) .........................234
Interior ambient lighting ................209
Language ......................................... 94
Locator lighting .............................. 210
Memory function ........................... 297
Night security illumination .............208
Rear window sunshade ..................207
Seat belt adjustment function .......236
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) ..... 277
Selective setting (SmartKey) .......... 275
Time ................................................. 92
Trunk opening-height restriction ....210
Voice Control System ......................93
Shelf below rear window, cleaning .. 446
Shortcut buttons ................................. 77
Side impact air bags ........................... 45
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 432
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 433
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 532
Mounting ....................................... 509
Storage location ............................ 451
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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
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Radio ............................................. 252
Settings ........................................... 93
Telephone ...................................... 245
Troubleshooting ............................. 267
W
Warning sounds
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....52
Electronic parking brake ................469
Parking Guidance ........................... 352
Parktronic system ..........................350
Seat belt telltale ............................ 493
Warranty coverage ............................ 524
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 544
Washer fluid
Mixing ratio .................................... 544
Refilling .......................................... 409
Washing the vehicle .......................... 440
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 425
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 508
Removing ....................................... 511
Spare ............................................. 508
Tightening torque ........................... 512
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 532
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 410
Window curtain air bags ..................... 45
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 445
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 445
Defogging ...................................... 371
Infrared reflecting ..........................399
Washer fluid ................................... 544
Wipers ........................................... 305
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................507
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 433
Snow chains .................................. 433
Tires ............................................... 432
Winter tires ................................ 432, 532
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 447
Z
ZAGAT ®
Rating Service ..................... 128
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Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS (
Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R Adaptive Brake Lights
R BAS (
Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS (
Brake Assist System PLUS)
R EBP (
Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC (
Electronic Stability Control)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (
Preventive Occupant
Safety System Brake)
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.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.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
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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
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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
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Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake imarking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of your vehicle’s driving safety
systems such as the ABS and the ESC in
winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the “Technical data”
section ( Y page 532).
Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle.
After installing winter tires:XCheck the tire inflation pressure and adjust
it if necessary ( Y page 413).XRestart the Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System ( Y page 414).
Snow chains
! When driving with snow chains, always
select the raised level of the vehicle level
control. Other settings may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R Use of snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 532).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESC ( Y page 232)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.
Winter driving instructions
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
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GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS system under such
conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 433).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof rack when not in use.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
434Driving instructionsOperation
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