
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ......274
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 478
Opening from inside  ......................278
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid)  .......394
Unlocking (Mechanical key)  ...........499
DOT (Department of
Transportation)  .................................. 430
Drinking and driving  ......................... 434
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats  .. 219
Driving  
Abroad  ........................................... 438
Hydroplaning  ................................. 437
Instructions  ........................... 311, 434
In winter  ........................................ 433
Problems  ....................................... 314
Safety systems  ................................ 63
Systems  ......................................... 327
Through standing water  .................437
With DISTRONIC PLUS  ...................339
Driving and parking  
Safety notes  .................................. 311
Driving off  .................................. 313, 437
Driving safety systems  ....................... 63
ABS  .................................................. 63
Adaptive Brake  ................................ 65
Adaptive Brake Lights  ......................66
BAS  .................................................. 64
BAS PLUS  ........................................ 64
EBP  .................................................. 66
ESC  .................................................. 66
ETS/4-ETS  ....................................... 67
PRE-SAFE ®
 Brake ............................. 69
Driving systems  
Active Body Control (ABC)  .............345
AIRMATIC  ...................................... 343
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 347
ATTENTION ASSIST  ........................355
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 359
Cruise control  ................................ 328
DISTRONIC PLUS  ........................... 330
Hill-start assist system  ..................341
HOLD function  ............................... 342
Lane Keeping Assist  ......................362
Night View Assist Plus  ...................356
Parking Guidance ........................... 350Parktronic system  ..........................347
Rear view camera  .......................... 354
Driving tips, automatic
transmission  ...................................... 321
DVD, audio  ......................................... 176
DVD, video  ......................................... 191
E
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning)  ...................................... 66
Electrical system  
Improper work on or
modifications  ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 388
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification                          
Electronic parking brake  .................. 315
Electronic Stability Control see ESC                                                     
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS                                          
Emergency, in case of  
First aid kit ..................................... 450
Flat tire  .......................................... 508
Hazard warning flasher  ..................302
Roadside Assistance ................ 22, 391
Towing the vehicle  .........................516
Emergency calls  
Tele Aid  .......................................... 390
Telephone  ...................................... 150
Emergency engine shutdown  ........... 521
Emergency operations  
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid)  .......394
Trunk lid, emergency release  .........282
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD                                                     
Emission control  ............................... 438
Information label ............................ 525
System warranties  ...........................21
Engine  
Break-in recommendations  ............402
Cleaning ......................................... 442
Compartment  ................................ 404
Malfunction indicator lamp  ............496
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 480
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Number .......................................... 525
Starting  .......................................... 311
Turning off  ..................................... 316
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification                          
Engine coolant
see Coolant                                               
Engine oil  
Adding  ........................................... 407
Additives  ........................................ 540
Checking level  ............................... 405
Consumption  ................................. 405
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 483
Oil dipstick ..................................... 406
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter  ............................................... 539
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)  ...... 66
ETS/4-ETS  ....................................... 67
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................... 467, 468, 473
Warning lamp ................................. 495
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device)  ................................................. 53
Safety guidelines  ............................. 43
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System)  ................................................ 67
Express operation  
Panorama roof  ............................... 377
Power windows  .............................. 307
Tilt/sliding sunroof  ........................373
Exterior lamp switch  ......................... 298
Exterior rear view mirrors  ................ 295
Fold-in function  .............................. 296
Parking position  ............................. 295
Power-folding  ................................. 296
Exterior view of vehicle  ...................... 28
F
Fastening the seat belts  ..................... 51
First aid kit  ......................................... 450
Flat tire  ............................................... 508
Lowering the vehicle  ......................512
Mounting the spare wheel  .............509
Preparing the vehicle  .....................508
Spare wheel ........................... 508, 536
Floormats  ........................................... 399
Fluids 
ABC fluid ................................ 408, 538
Automatic transmission fluid  .........538
Brake fluid  ..................................... 538
Capacities  ...................................... 537
Engine coolant  ....................... 538, 539
Engine oil  ....................................... 537
Power steering fluid  .......................538
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system  ........................................... 539
Fog lamps  ........................................... 300
Messages in the multifunction
display  ................................... 485, 487
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors  ...................................... 296
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)                    
Front air bags
see Air bags                                              
Front lamps
see Headlamps                                         
Front passenger front air bag  ............ 44
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 455
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp  ............................. 46, 498
Fuel  ..................................................... 402
Additives  ........................................ 541
Capacity, fuel tank  .........................539
Drive sensibly–safe fuel  .................434
Fuel consumption statistics  ...........223
Fuel filler flap and cap  ...................403
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp  .....496
Premium unleaded gasoline  ...........541
Refueling ........................................ 402
Requirements  ................................ 541
Fuel filler flap  ..................................... 403
Fuel gauge  ......................................... 327
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.  ........ 537
Fuel tank  
Capacity  ........................................ 539
Fuel filler flap and cap  ...................403
Refueling ........................................ 402
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Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS (
Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R Adaptive Brake Lights
R BAS (
Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS (
Brake Assist System PLUS)
R EBP (
Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC (
Electronic Stability Control)
R PRE-SAFE ®
 Brake (
Preventive Occupant
Safety System Brake)
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.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.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp  ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
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vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the
HOLD function  (Y  page  342) and the hill-start
assist system ( Y page 341).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 435).
Adaptive Brake Lights
i This function is only available for the
S 600 and the S 65 AMG (USA only).
The brake lamps flash in quick intervals
R while you are braking hard at a speed of
more than 30 mph (50 km/h)
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
PLUS.
This helps to alert drivers behind you.
If you bring the car to a complete stop by hard
braking at a speed of more than 40 mph
(70 km/h), the hazard warning flasher comes
on automatically as soon as the vehicle is at
a standstill. While the vehicle is stationary,
the brake lamps are continuously lit up. Once
you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
afterward, the hazard warning flasher goes
out.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESC
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp  ÷ in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp  ÷ flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
!  Vehicles with 4MATIC:
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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 electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!  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 electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or 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.
!  The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESC
engages.
Electronic Traction System 
(ETS/4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESC. The ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESC, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
Switching off the ESC
Switching off the ESC (except S 63 AMG)
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESC immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESC will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESC,
R the ESC does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the ETS/4-ETS will still apply the brakes to
a spinning wheel
R the ESC continues to operate when you are
braking
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Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
R the cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
i When the ESC is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp  ÷ in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
not stabilize the vehicle.XWith the engine running, switch off the ESC
via the control system ( Y page 231).GWarning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp  å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp  ÷ and the
ESC OFF warning lamp  å are on
continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESC.
!  Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching off the ESC (S 63 AMG only)
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
“ESC OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESC.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
When you switch off the ESC,
R the ESC does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin
R the ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESC operates while you are braking
R the cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
R the cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
i When the ESC is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp  ÷ in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
not stabilize the vehicle.XWith the engine running, switch off the ESC
via the control system ( Y page 231).GWarning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp  å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp  ÷ and the
ESC OFF warning lamp  å are on
continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESC.
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Vehicle equipment
i This 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.
COMAND introduction
COMAND operating safety
COMAND (
Cockpit Management and Data
System) is an information and operating
center for vehicle sound and communications
systems. It includes the radio and navigation
system, as well as other optional equipment
(satellite radio, telephone, etc.).
GWarning!
Any alteration of electronic components or
software can cause malfunctions.
Radio, satellite radio, amplifier, CD/DVD
changer, navigation module, telephone and
Voice Control Systems are interconnected.
Therefore, if one of the components is not
operational, or has not been removed/
replaced properly, the function of other
components could be impaired.
Such conditions might seriously impair the
operating safety of your vehicle.
We recommend to have any service work on
electronic components carried out by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning!
In order to avoid distraction which could lead
to an accident, the driver should enter system
settings while the vehicle is at a standstill, and
operate the system only when permitted by
road, weather and traffic conditions.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
COMAND supplies you with information to
help you select your route more easily and
guide you conveniently and safely to your
destination. For safety reasons, we
encourage the driver to stop the vehicle in a
safe place before answering or placing a call,
or consulting the COMAND screen to read
navigational maps, instructions, or
downloaded information.GWarning!
While the navigation system provides
directional assistance, the driver must remain
focused on safe driving behavior, especially
attention to traffic and street signs, and
should utilize the system’s audio cues while
driving.
The navigation system does not supply any
information on stop signs, yield signs, traffic
regulations or traffic safety rules. Their
observance always remains in the driver’s
personal responsibility. Maps do not cover all
areas nor all routes within an area.
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.
Availability of functions while the 
vehicle is in motion
For safety reasons, certain COMAND
functions are not available while the vehicle
is in motion or they are only available to a
limited extent. You will notice this, for
example, by the fact that certain menu items
cannot be selected or that the COMAND
display shows a corresponding message.
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permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Settings menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Radar Sensors function.
XPress button a.XPress button a again if you would like
to change the current status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Radar Sensors will be switched on
(Enabled) or off (Disabled).
iThe selected status of the radar sensors
remains stored in memory even if the
engine is turned off and restarted.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display if the radar sensors are
switched off and you attempt to activate
DISTRONIC PLUS or PRE-SAFE® Brake:
Radar Sensors
(See Oper. Manual)
Disabled
Voice Control System introduction
Safety notes
GWarning!
Only use the Voice Control System when road
and traffic conditions permit you to do so.
Otherwise you could be involved in an
accident in which you or others could be
injured.
GWarning!
Please devote your attention first and
foremost to the traffic situation you are in.
While the system permits hands-free phone
operation, attention to traffic may be diverted
not only by physical operation of a phone, but
also by the distraction of a phone
conversation while driving. As such, for safety
reasons, we encourage the driver to stop the
vehicle in a safe place before answering or
placing a phone call.
For safety reasons, you should only select a
destination when the vehicle is stationary.
While the navigation system provides
directional assistance, the driver must remain
focused on safe driving behavior, especially
attention to traffic and street signs, and
should utilize the system’s audio cues while
driving.
The navigation system does not supply any
information on stop signs, yield signs, traffic
regulations or traffic safety rules. Their
observance always remains in the driver’s
personal responsibility. Maps do not cover all
areas nor all routes within an area.
Traffic regulations always have priority over
any route recommendations given.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
GWarning!
Navigation announcements are intended to
direct you while driving without diverting your
attention from the road and driving.
Please always use navigation announcements
instead of consulting the map display for
directions. Consulting the symbols or map
display for directions may cause you to divert
your attention from driving and increase your
risk of an accident.
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