2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC service a

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

Upload/Download of Data ...............95
USB socket ...................................... 80
Vehicle settings ............................. 206
Video DVD ..................................... 191
Voice Control System ....................237
Combination switch .......................... 301
Controller (COMAND) .......................... 79
Control system .................................. 220
Multifunction display .....................222
Multifunction steering wheel .........221
Control system menus ...................... 222
AMG ............................................... 227
Assistance ..................................... 231
Audio ............................................. 226
Navi ............................................... 225
Service ........................................... 233
Settings ......................................... 234
Telephone ...................................... 230
Trip ................................................ 223
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............543
Capacities .............................. 538, 539
Checking level ............................... 408
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 480
Temperature gauge ........................ 327
Corner-illuminating lamps ................ 303
Cruise control .................................... 328
Activating ....................................... 328
Canceling ....................................... 329
Changing the set speed .................329
Last stored speed ..........................330
Lever .............................................. 328
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 458
Resume function ............................ 330
Setting current speed ....................329
Cup holders ........................................ 384
Curb weight ....................................... 430
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 24
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 25
Daytime running lamp mode ............ 299
Switching on or off ......................... 234
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) ..................... 371
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......370
Rear window .................................. 372
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 314
With starting .................................. 312
Digital speedometer
Additional speedometer ................. 235
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 422
Displays
COMAND display ............................. 78
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Maintenance service indicator .......439
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 452
Multifunction display .....................222
Symbol messages ..........................466
Text messages ............................... 454
Trip computer ................................ 223
Vehicle status message memory ...233
Display settings (COMAND) ................ 92
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 330
Cleaning system sensors ...............443
Displaying the distance graphic .....334
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 333
Distance warning lamp ..........333, 496
Driving ........................................... 336
Driving with .................................... 339
Lever .............................................. 335
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 459
Resume function ............................ 338
Sensor cover .................................. 443
Speed settings ............................... 337
Stopping ........................................ 337
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 61
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) . 275Index7221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 7

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

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
Speedometer ....................................... 3216Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 16

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

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
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever 18Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 18