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
Transmission positions .................... 320
Traveling abroad ............................... 438
Tread (tires) ....................................... 432
Tread depth (tires) .................... 423, 432
Treadwear .......................................... 424
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 423, 432
Trip menu ........................................... 223
Trunk
Closing ........................................... 280
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening ......................................... 279
Opening/closing system ...............281
Opening-height restriction .............210
Tie-down hooks .............................. 381
Trunk lid emergency release ..........282
Unlocking manually .......................500
Valet locking .................................. 283
Turning off the engine ...................... 316
Turn signals ....................................... 301
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Indicator lamps ................................ 32
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 488
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 424, 432
Units
Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 235
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 541
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 275
Manually ........................................ 499
SmartKey ....................................... 274
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 446
USB devices (media interface) ......... 200
USB socket ........................................... 80
Useful features .................................. 384
V
Valet locking ...................................... 283
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 512
Care ............................................... 440
Control system .............................. 220
Identification Number (VIN) ...........524
Individual settings ..........................234
Locking/unlocking ........................274
Lowering (wheel change) ...............512
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 23
Towing ........................................... 516
Unlocking/locking manually ..........499
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 524
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see AIRMATIC
Vehicle lighting .................................. 298
Vehicle loading
Instructions .................................... 379
Load limit ....................................... 419
Roof rack ....................................... 380
Terminology ................................... 430
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 432
Vehicle specification
S 450 4MATIC ............................... 527
S 550 ............................................. 527
S 550 4MATIC ............................... 528
S 600 ............................................. 529
S 63 AMG ...................................... 530
S 65 AMG ...................................... 531
Vehicle status message memory .... 233
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 450
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
Video .................................................. 191
Video Aux ........................................... 186
Voice Control System
Address book ................................. 249
CD/DVD changer/MP3 .................255
Command list ................................ 257
External devices ............................. 257
Individualization ............................. 271
Introduction ................................... 237
Navigation ..................................... 240Index19221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 19
Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and pre-
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding that
we reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment. Therefore,
information, illustrations, and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from your
vehicle.
Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating particular equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are special-
order items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Introduction21221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 21Z
Center consoleFunctionPage:Thumbwheel for air volume
control for left center air
vent368
;Thumbwheel for air volume
control for right center air
vent368
=Air distribution and air
volume, driver’s side
(automatic mode)366
?Temperature control,
driver’s side367
AManual fan speed
adjustment, driver’s side370
BFront defroster370CAir recirculation371DClimate control on/off366EResidual engine heat and
ventilation (REST)372
FRear window defroster372FunctionPageGManual fan speed
adjustment, passenger side370
HTemperature control,
passenger side367
IAir distribution and air
volume, passenger side
(automatic mode)366
JAlarm system indicator
lamp72
KCup holder384LAshtray387Cigarette lighter387MCD/DVD changer179SD card slot18036Center consoleAt a glance
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Overhead control panelFunctionPage:Eyeglasses compartment381;Left reading lamp on/off304=Rear interior lighting on/off304?Front interior lighting on/
off304
APower tilt/sliding sunroof
switch or panorama roof
with power tilt/sliding
panel switch
373,
375
BSOS button (Tele Aid
system)389
CAutomatic interior lighting
control304
DOpening/closing rear roller
sunblinds376
ERight reading lamp on/off304FInterior rear view mirror294GGarage door opener395HHands-free microphone for:FunctionPageTele Aid (emergency call
system)389
Telephone148Voice Control System237Overhead control panel37At a glance221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 37Z
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
RGiven the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, we strongly
recommend that you inform the subsequent
owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS.
Also refer them to the applicable section in
the Operator’s Manual.
Front air bags
GObserve Safety notes, see page 41.
Driver’s front air bag : and front passenger
front air bag ; are designed to provide
increased protection for the driver and front
passenger against the risk of injuries to the
head and thorax.
Driver and front passenger front air bags are
deployed
Rin the event of certain frontal impacts
Rif the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
Rdepending on whether the respective seat
belt is in use
Rindependently of the side impact air bags
and/or the window curtain air bags
The front air bags in this vehicle have been
designed to inflate in two stages. This allows
the air bags to have different rates of inflation.
The rate of inflation is based on the vehicle
deceleration rate as assessed by the air bag
control unit.
The front passenger front air bag deployment
is additionally influenced by the passenger’s
weight category as identified by the Occupant
Classification System (OCS) (Y page 46).
The lighter the front passenger-side
occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration
rate required for second stage inflation of the
front passenger front air bag.
The air bags will not deploy in impacts which
do not exceed the system’s preset
deployment thresholds. You will then be
protected by the fastened seat belts.
The front air bags will not deploy in the event
of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of
longitudinal deceleration or acceleration
exceeds the preset deployment threshold for
the front air bags.
The front passenger front air bag will only be
deployed if
Rthe system, based on OCS weight sensor
readings, detects that the front passenger
seat is occupied
Rthe 42 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit (Y page 46)
Rthe impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
44Occupant safetySafety and security
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All lap/shoulder belts except the driver’s seat
belt have special seat belt retractors to
secure child restraints properly. For more
information on special seat belt retractors,
see “Infant and child restraint systems”
(Y page 57).
To release the seat belt with seat belt release
button ?, see (Y page 52).
Seat belt outlet height adjustment
XRaising: Slide the seat belt outlet height
adjuster upward.
The seat belt outlet height adjuster
engages in different positions.
XLowering: Press and hold release
button :.
XSlide the seat belt outlet height adjuster
downward.
XRelease release button : and make sure
the seat belt outlet height adjuster engages
into place.
The seat belts for the rear outer seats are
adjusted automatically.
Seat belt adjustment function
Depending on vehicle production date, your
vehicle may be equipped with this function.
The seat belt adjustment function adjusts the
seat belts on both front seats to the upper
body of the respective vehicle occupant. The
seat belt will be pulled slightly tighter for that
purpose when
Ryou engage the latch plate into the buckle
and then turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 2
Rthe SmartKey in the starter switch is in
position 2 and you then engage the latch
plate in the buckle
The seat belt adjustment function takes place
with a certain amount of retracting force
when the system senses slack between the
vehicle occupant and the seat belt. Do not
retain the seat belt during this procedure. You
can activate or deactivate the seat belt
adjustment function via the control system
(Y page 236).
Releasing the seat belts
XPress seat belt release button ?
(Y page 51).
Allow the retractor to completely rewind
the seat belt by guiding latch plate ;
(Y page 51).
! Make sure the seat belt retracts
completely. Otherwise the seat belt and/or
latch plate could get caught or pinched in
the door or in the seat mechanism. This can
damage the seat belt and impair its
effectiveness, and/or cause damage to the
door and/or door trim panel. Such damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Damaged seat belts must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Enhanced seat belt reminder system
When the engine is started, the seat belt
telltale 7 will always illuminate for
6 seconds to remind you and your passengers
to fasten your seat belts.
52Occupant safetySafety and security
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Automatic comfort-fit feature seat belt
The automatic comfort-fit feature reduces the
retracting force of the seat belts when they
are in normal use. It is available for the front
seats and for the rear outer seats (only for
vehicles with rear power seats).
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-
SAFE ®
)
GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
system is intended to reduce
the effects of an accident on vehicle
occupants who are wearing their seat belt
properly. Despite your vehicle being equipped
with the PRE-SAFE ®
system, the possibility of
personal injuries occurring as a result of an
accident cannot be eliminated. Therefore,
always drive carefully and adjust your driving
to the prevailing road, weather, and traffic
conditions.
The PRE-SAFE ®
system takes preventive
measures to better protect the occupants
from the possibility of personal injuries in the
following hazardous situations:
R emergency braking situations, e.g. if the
Brake Assist System (BAS) ( Y page 64) is
activated
or when
vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS:
the BAS PLUS ( Y page 64) or the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69) is strongly
engaging
R when the radar sensors recognize the
immediate risk of collision in certain
situations (vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS)
R critical dynamic driving situations, e.g.
when the vehicle has been caused to
understeer or oversteer because it has
exceeded its physical limitations or in case
of evasive steering maneuvers at speeds
above approximately 85 mph (140 km/h)
The PRE-SAFE ®
system takes the following
measures when it is activated:
R The front seat belts are pre-tensioned
automatically.
R If the front passenger seat is in an
unfavorable position, the seat will be
adjusted to a position that seeks to better
protect the occupant.
R If a rear outer power seat (if so equipped)
is in an unfavorable position, the seat will
be adjusted to a position that seeks to
better protect the occupant.
R The system increases the air pressure in
the air pockets (on the sides of the seat
cushion and backrest) of the multicontour
and/or drive-dynamic multicontour front
seats.
R If the vehicle is equipped with multicontour
rear seats, the system increases the air
pressure in the air pockets (on the sides of
the seat backrest) of the multicontour rear
outer seats.
R If the vehicle is in a critical dynamic driving
situation, the door windows and the tilt/
sliding sunroof or panorama roof with tilt/
sliding panel also closes, except for a
minimal gap that remains open.
If the closing procedure of any of these
elements is blocked, it will stop and open
slightly.
Once the hazardous situation no longer exists
and an accident has been avoided, the PRE-
SAFE ®
system loosens the seat belt pre-
tension and decreases the air pressure in the
air pockets of the multicontour and/or drive-
dynamic multicontour seats. All of the PRE-
SAFE ®
system settings can be re-adjusted
following the critical driving event.
If the seat belts do not release:XAdjust the seat backrest to the rear until
the seat belt tension is reduced.
The locking mechanism releases.54Occupant safetySafety and security
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