2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC engine

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
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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

Inside door handle ...................... 38, 278
Instrument cluster ...................... 32, 326
Illumination .................................... 326
Lamps ............................................ 489
Multifunction display .....................222
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Emergency lighting ........................304
Front .............................................. 304
Front reading lamps .......................304
Rear ............................................... 304
Rear reading lamps ........................304
Interior rear view mirror ................... 294
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....295
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Intermittent wiping ........................... 306
Rain sensor .................................... 306
iPod ®
(media interface) .................... 200
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) see Children in the vehicle
J
Jack ..................................................... 451
Jump starting ..................................... 514
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ........................................... 277
Replacing ....................................... 278
Unlocking/locking manually ..........499
Valet locking .................................. 283
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ........................277
Checking batteries ......................... 277
Factory setting ...................... 275, 277
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO) ................................................ 277
Global locking (SmartKey) .............275
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO) ................................................ 277
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ..................................... 275
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO ...276
Locking/unlocking ........................274
Loss of ........................................... 277
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening, trunk ............................... 279
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof or the
panorama roof ............................... 309
Opening and closing the windows . 309
Remote control .............................. 274
Replacing ....................................... 278
Replacing batteries ........................502
Restoring to factory setting ...275, 277
Selective setting ....................275, 277
Starter switch positions .................284
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions .................284
Keypad (COMAND) .............................. 79
Kickdown ........................................... 321
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 325
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 431
L
Labels
Certification ................................... 524
Emission control information .........525
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 418
Tire inflation pressure ....................412
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ......................298
Front .............................................. 505
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Switching on/off ........................... 298
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 32, 490
Adaptive Highbeam Assist .............301
Brakes ........................................... 490
Distance warning lamp ..........333, 496
Engine malfunction ........................496
ESC .......................................... 32, 495
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ESC OFF ........................................ 495
Fog lamps ...................................... 300
Front passenger front air bag
off ............................................ 46, 498
Fuel tank reserve ........................... 496
High-beam headlamps .............32, 301
Instrument cluster .........................489
Low-beam headlamps ....................299
Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale ........................497
Seat belt telltale ................32, 52, 493
SRS .......................................... 40, 494
Turn signals ..................................... 32
Lane Keeping Assist .......................... 362
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 462
Switching on or off ......................... 233
Language settings ............................... 94
LATCH-type child seat anchors (ISOFIX) see Children in the vehicle
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 486
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 445
Lighters see Cigarette lighters
Lighting .............................................. 298
Daytime running lamp mode ..........299
Exterior .......................................... 298
Interior ........................................... 304
Limp-home mode .............................. 325
Load index (tires) ...................... 426, 431
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 275
Manually ........................................ 500
SmartKey ....................................... 274
Loss of
Key ................................................ 277
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 524
Low-beam headlamps ....................... 299
Exterior lamp switch ......................298
Switching on .................................. 299
Lubricants .......................................... 537M
Maintenance ........................................ 22
Maintenance Call, automatic (Tele
Aid) ..................................................... 395
Maintenance System
Service indicator display ................439
Service indicator message .............439
Service term exceeded ..................439
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) .............................. 299
Manual shift program ....................... 324
Maximum engine speed see Vehicle specification
Maximum loaded vehicle weight ..... 431
Maximum load rating (tires) ............. 431
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 431
Mechanical key see Key, Mechanical
Media interface ................................. 200
Memory function ............................... 297
Menus see Control system menus
Minispare wheel
see Spare wheel
Mirrors ............................................... 294
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....295
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position .......................................... 295
Exterior rear view mirrors ..............295
Front vanity mirrors .......................386
Interior rear view mirror .................294
Memory function ........................... 297
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors ........................................... 296
Rear vanity mirrors ........................386
MON (Motor Octane Number) .......... 541
Motor Octane Number see MON
MP3 .................................................... 176
Multicontour seats, front ................. 218
Multicontour seats, rear ................... 293
Multifunction display ........................ 222
Symbol messages ..........................466
Text messages ............................... 454
Vehicle status messages ...............45212Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 12

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
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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