necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
! To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
or front axle raised (except vehicles with
4MATIC) only so far as necessary to have the
vehicle moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be
employed.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
RDo not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
RDo not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
RTowing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
iIf the battery is disconnected or
discharged
Rthe SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
Rthe automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
(Y page 512) or “Jump starting”
(Y page 514).
Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located underneath the trunk
floor (Y page 450).
XTake the vehicle tool kit out of the trunk.
Removing cover in front bumper
XPress mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
XLift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
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Removing cover in rear bumperGWarning!
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust pipe
is extremely hot.
XPress mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
XLift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Fixing towing eye bolt
Example illustration front bumper
XTake the towing eye bolt and, if so
equipped, the wheel wrench from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 450).
XScrew towing eye bolt ; clockwise into
threaded hole to its stop.
XInsert wheel wrench into towing eye and
tighten towing eye bolt ; by turning it
clockwise.
or
XIf your vehicle is not equipped with a wheel
wrench, use a suitable object to turn the
towing eye bolt.
Removing towing eye bolt
XLoosen towing eye bolt ; by turning it
counterclockwise.
XUnscrew towing eye bolt ;.XReinstalling cover: Fit cover :
(Y page 517) and snap it into place.
XStore the towing eye bolt ; and wheel
wrench back into the vehicle tool kit.
Towing with all wheels on the ground
GWarning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
Rthe engine will not run
Rthere is a malfunction in the brake system
Rthere is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
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XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the electronic parking
brake.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 302).
!
Keep in mind that it is important to have
the ignition switched on. Removing the
SmartKey from the starter switch or
opening a front door with the ignition
switched off will automatically shift the
automatic transmission into park position
P .
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
Towing with front axle raised
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: Do not tow with
one axle raised. Doing so could damage the
transfer case, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground.
Observe instructions for towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground.
XSwitch off the automatic central locking
( Y page 210).XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 302).XMake sure the automatic transmission
remains in neutral position N. Observe
instructions, see “Remaining in neutral
position N” ( Y page 319).
!
Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Keep in mind that it is important for the
SmartKey to be left in starter switch with
the ignition switched off. As soon as the
SmartKey is removed from the starter
switch the automatic transmission will shift
to park position P.
Fuses
Introduction
The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to
switch off malfunctioning power circuits.
If a fuse is blown, the components and
systems secured by that fuse will stop
operating.
GWarning!
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
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All models
(except AMG vehicles)S 63 AMG
S 63 AMG (Performance Package)
S 65 AMGRim (steel)4.5 B x 19 H2—Rim (light alloy)—4.5 B x 19 H2Wheel offset1.38 in (35 mm)1.38 in (35 mm)Minispare tire 68T 155/70 R19 113MT 155/70 R19 113MRecommended tire
inflation pressure61 psi (4.2 bar)61 psi (4.2 bar)Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
GWarning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing, and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise you could endanger persons
or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterS 450 4MATIC 69
S 550 70
S 550 4MATIC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsS 600
S 65 AMG9.5 US qt (9.0 l)S 63 AMG 719.9 US qt (9.35 l)68
Must not be used with snow chains.
69 Canada only.
70 USA only.
71 Engine with oil cooler.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.537Technical data221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 537Z
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.
ModelEngine,
type
MB sheet
number
S 450 4MATIC74273229.5S 55075273229.5S 550 4MATIC273229.5S 600275229.5S 63 AMG156229.576S 65 AMG275229.5
iMB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers.
Viscosity grades for engine oils
Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
Engine oil additives
! Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
GWarning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
74Canada only.75USA only.76Restriction: Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.
540Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Maintenance
Booklet for replacement interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information.
Premium unleaded gasoline
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
! To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
R Have the fuel tank only partially filled
with unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
with premium unleaded gasoline as soon
as possible.
R Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
R Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded with a
light load such as two persons and no
luggage.
R Do not exceed 2
/ 3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the vehicle
is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded gasoline. The
octane number (posted at the pump) must be
91 min. It is an average of both the Research
Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON)/2. This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Reformulated gasolines (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, TAME, ETBE, IPA, IBA, and
TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one
of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is not
allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by
gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only
the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of carbon
deposits.
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ModelApproximate freeze protection-35‡ (-37†)-49‡ (-45†)Cooling system,
vehicles without
rear climate
controlS 450 4MATIC 777.8 US qt (7.4 l)8.6 US qt (8.1 l)S 55078
S 550 4MATIC6.1 US qt (5.75 l)6.7 US qt (6.3 l)Cooling system,
vehicles with rear
climate controlS 450 4MATIC 778.6 US qt (8.1 l)9.4 US qt (8.9 l)S 55078
S 550 4MATIC6.9 US qt (6.55 l)7.6 US qt (7.2 l)S 6007.9 US qt (7.5 l)8.7 US qt (8.3 l)S 63 AMG6.0 US qt (5.6 l)7.0 US qt (6.2 l)S 65 AMG7.4 US qt (7.0 l)8.1 US qt (7.7 l)Low temperature
cooling systemS 6001.4 US qt (1.3 l)1.5 US qt (1.4 l)S 65 AMG1.6 US qt (1.55 l)1.8 US qt (1.7 l)Washer system and headlamp
cleaning systemGWarning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
XUse MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“MB SummerFit”.XMix with water for temperatures above
freezing point.XMix with commercially available premixed
washer solvent/antifreeze for
temperatures below freezing point.
Washer fluid mixing ratio
For temperatures above the freezing point:
1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts water
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to 1 gal
[4.0 l] water)
For temperatures below freezing point:
1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts solvent
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to 1 gal
[4.0 l] solvent)77 Canada only.
78 USA only.544Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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Service and Literature
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center has
trained technicians and Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts to service your vehicle properly.
For expert advice and quality service, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If you are interested in obtaining service
literature for your vehicle, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
We consider this the best way for you to
obtain accurate information for your vehicle.
For further information you can find us on the
Mercedes-Benz web site www.mbusa.com
(USA only) or www.mercedes-benz.ca
(Canada only).GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, be extremely
careful when performing any service work or
repairs. Improper or incomplete service or the
use of incorrect or inappropriate parts or
materials may damage the vehicle or its
equipment, which may in turn result in
personal injury.
If you have any questions about carrying out
any type of service, turn to the advice of an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
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.
Reprinting, translation and copying, even of
excerpts, is not permitted without our prior
authorization in writing.
Press time July 30, 2009
GSP/OIS
Printed in U. S. A.
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