Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsService
RequiredDo Not
Shift
GearsThe automatic transmission cannot be shifted out of the
current transmission position because of a malfunction.
If the automatic transmission is in drive position D:XWithout shifting the automatic transmission out of drive
position D, drive to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the automatic transmission is set to neutral position N,
reverse gear R or park position P:
XDo not drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.Only
Shift to
Position
'P' When
Vehicle
Is
StationaryYou have attempted to shift the automatic transmission into
park position P although the vehicle was still in motion.XStop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XShift the automatic transmission to park position P.XEngage the electronic parking brake.Shift to
P or Nto Start
EngineYou have attempted to start the engine while the automatic
transmission was in reverse gear R or drive position D.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P or
neutral position N. Make sure the brake pedal is depressed.Auxiliary
Battery
(message
appears in
white)Malfunctio
nThe backup battery for the automatic transmission is no
longer charging.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Auxiliary
Battery
(message
appears in
red)Malfunctio
nThe backup battery for the automatic transmission is
discharged. In case of failure of the on-board electrical
system, you may not be able change transmission positions.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display463Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 463Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsNext
Service Xin ...
days
in ...
mls (km)The specified maintenance service must be carried out within
the remaining time range or driving distance ( Y page 439).XHave the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Service XDueThe specified maintenance service must be carried out
( Y page 439).XHave the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.Service X
Exceededby X days
by XXX
mls (km)The specified maintenance service term has been exceeded
( Y page 439).XHave the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.! Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and maintenance service indicator at thedesignated times/mileage will result in
vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire
PressuresDisplayed
After
Driving A
Few
MinutesThe tire inflation pressure is being checked by the Advanced
TPMS.XDrive the vehicle for a few minutes.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
eThe Advanced TPMS is malfunctioning.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
e No
Wheel
SensorsThere are wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted
(e.g. winter tires).XHave the appropriate wheel sensors installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.464Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Parking
Brake
Inoperativ
eWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the
red indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes
and goes out after approx. 10 seconds. The yellow warning
lamp for the electronic parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake cannot be engaged:
XShift the automatic transmission to park position P
( Y page 317).XProtect vehicle from rolling away while parked by using a
chock from the vehicle tool kit ( Y page 450).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Service
See Oper.
ManualS 600 and S 65 AMG only:
The brake system sensors are malfunctioning. The brake
system continues to function normally with full brake force
boost.XContinue driving with added caution.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Check
Brake
Fluid
LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark
or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions÷Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualIf the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷ flashes while driving and
this message appears, the Electronic Traction System (ETS/
4-ETS) has switched off to prevent overheating of the drive
wheel brakes.
The BAS PLUS and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are also not
available.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) switches on again.
The message in the multifunction display disappears and the
ESC warning lamp ÷ goes out.GTele Aid
Inoperativ
eOne or more main functions of the Tele Aid system are
malfunctioning.XHave the Tele Aid system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.6SRS
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredThere is a malfunction in the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS). The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
could deploy unexpectedly or fail to activate in an accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.6Front
Left SRS
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredComponents of the driver’s supplemental restraint system
may not work properly.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.6Front
Right SRS
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredComponents of the front passenger’s supplemental restraint
system may not work properly.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.6Rear Left
SRS
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredComponents of the left rear passenger’s supplemental
restraint system may not work properly.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.474Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions6Rear
Center
SRS
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredComponents of the center rear passenger’s supplemental
restraint system may not work properly.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.6Rear
Right SRS
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredComponents of the right rear passenger’s supplemental
restraint system may not work properly.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.6Left Side
Curtain
Airbag
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredThe left window curtain air bag may not work properly.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.6Right
Side
Curtain
Airbag
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredThe right window curtain air bag may not work properly.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display475Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 475Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4Check
Engine
Oil at
Next
RefuelingAll models except S 600 and S 65 AMG:
The engine oil level has dropped to approximately the
minimum level.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 405) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 407).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.4Check
Engine
Oil Level
(Add 1
quart)
(USA only)
Check
Engine
Oil Level
(Add 1
Liter)
(Canada
only)S 600 and S 65 AMG only:
The engine oil level is too low.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 407) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 405).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.If the message Check Engine Oil at Next
Refueling (All models except S 600 and
S 65 AMG) or Check Engine Oil Level
(Add 1 quart) (Canada: 1 Liter appears
while the engine is running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest servicestation to refill your engine oil to the required
level.
For information on approved engine oils
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display483Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 483Z
XGuide the spare wheel onto the alignment
bolt and push it on.
XInsert the wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
XUnscrew the alignment bolt.XInstall the last wheel bolt and tighten it
slightly.
Lowering the vehicle
XLower the vehicle by turning the crank
counterclockwise until the vehicle is
resting fully on its own weight.
XRemove the jack.XTighten the five wheel bolts evenly,
following the diagonal sequence illustrated
(: to A), until all bolts are tight. Observe
a tightening torque of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
XFully collapse the jack, with handle folded
in (storage position), see (Y page 451).
XStore the jack and the other vehicle tools
in the designated storage space.
For information on storing the spare wheel
after it has been replaced by a regular road
wheel, see (Y page 451).
iDo not restart the tire inflation pressure
monitor until a full size wheel/tire with
functioning sensor has been placed back
into service on the vehicle.
Battery
Safety notes
A battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated service
life. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for battery
maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-
distance trips, you will need to have the
battery charge checked more frequently.
When replacing a battery, always use a
battery approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.
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.
GWarning!
Observe all safety instructions and
precautions when handling automotive
batteries.
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Vehicle equipment ............................524
Parts service .....................................524
Warranty coverage ...........................524
Identification labels ..........................524
Vehicle specification S 450
4MATIC (221.084) .............................527
Vehicle specification S 550
(221.171) ...........................................527
Vehicle specification S 550
4MATIC (221.186) .............................528
Vehicle specification S 600
(221.176) ...........................................529
Vehicle specification S 63 AMG
(221.177) ...........................................530
Vehicle specification S 65 AMG
(221.179) ...........................................531
Rims and tires ...................................532
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......537
523Technical data221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 523