PRE-SAFE®
............................................ 54
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 454
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ................................. 69
Activating/deactivating .................232
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 454
Problems
While driving .................................. 314
With vehicle ..................................... 24
With wipers .................................... 306
Product information ............................ 21
Production options weight ............... 431
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ................322
Manual shift program ..................... 324
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 431
R
RACETIMER ........................................ 228
Radar sensors
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 461
Switching on or off ......................... 236
Radio .................................................. 165
HD Radio™ .................................... 167
Satellite radio ................................ 170
Selecting stations ..........................226
Radio transmitters ............................ 438
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 538
Rear door ashtray see Ashtrays
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 61
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 61
Sunshades ..................................... 308
Rear fog lamp
see Fog lamps
Rear Seat Entertainment System .... 189
AUX sockets .................................. 187
CD/DVD drive ............................... 180
Headphone ...................................... 82
Remote control ................................ 81
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Rear view camera .............................. 354
Cleaning the camera lens ..............444
Rear window defroster ..................... 372
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 411, 431
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 540
Refueling ............................................ 402
Regular checks .................................. 403
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote control (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ....................... 81
Replacing batteries ........................502
Remote control (SPLITVIEW) .............. 81
Replacing batteries ........................502
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ............. 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 394
Replacing
Key ................................................ 278
Replacing bulbs ................................. 504
Reporting safety defects .................... 24
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 484
Reset tool (NECK-PRO active front
head restraints) ................................. 501
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Retaining hook .................................. 381
Rims ........................................... 431, 532
Roadside Assistance ................... 22, 391
Roller sunblinds ................................. 375
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 541
Roof rack ............................................ 380
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 446Index15221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 15
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
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
20Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 20
Exterior view
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Trunk:Locking and unlocking274Opening and closing279,
280
Valet locking283;Rear lamps504=Rear window defroster372?Fuel filler flap402ADoors:Locking and unlocking274,
499
BExterior rear view mirrors295Parking position295Power-folding296CTowing eyes517DTires and wheels410FunctionPageRims and tires532EHood404FHeadlamp cleaning system303GFront lamps504HWipers305Wiper blades, replacing507Wiper blades, cleaning445IWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid305Cleaning445JRoof:Power tilt/sliding sunroof373Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel375
28Exterior viewAt a glance
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passengers will then be protected to the
extent possible by a properly fastened seat
belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Air bags are not a substitute for seat belts.
Always wear your seat belt, regardless of
whether or not your vehicle is equipped with
air bags.
It is important to your safety and that of your
passengers to have deployed air bags
replaced and to have any malfunctioning air
bags repaired. This will help to make sure the
air bags will continue to provide supplemental
crash protection for occupants.
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD)
and air bag GWarning!
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check with your local
government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
pre-tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do no change or remove any component or
part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. over the steering
wheel hub, front passenger front air bag
cover, outboard sides of the seat
backrests, door trim panels, or door frame
trims.
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must beOccupant safety43Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 43Z
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground.
The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
ROnly use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
RTires must be of the correct size for the rim.
RBreak in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
RRegularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
410Tires and wheelsOperation
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The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperature is close to the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
( Y page 432) with a minimum tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels
for the winter season to ensure normal
balanced handling characteristics. On
packed snow, they can reduce your stopping
distance compared to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Temperature GWarning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Rotating tires
GWarning!
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.
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).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle’s rims.
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all around.
If your vehicle is equipped with tires of the
same dimension all around, tires can be
rotated, observing a front-to-rear rotation
pattern that will maintain the intended
rotation (spinning) direction of the tire
( Y page 422).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle is
equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire
dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation is not
possible.
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire
configuration, tires can be rotated according
to the tire manufacturer’s recommended
intervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should be
rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles (5 000 to
10 000 km), or sooner if necessary, according
to the degree of tire wear. The same rotation
(spinning) direction must be maintained.
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder wear
on front tires and tread center wear on rear
tires).
Tires and wheels425Operation221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 425Z