Brake lampsAdaptive ........................................... 63
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 61
BAS .................................................. 62
BAS PLUS ........................................ 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................472
Display message ............................ 351
High-performance brake system ....290
Important safety notes ..................288
Maintenance .................................. 289
Warning lamp ................................. 375
Breakdown
see Flat tire
Bulbs
High-beam spot lamp ..................... 251
Overview ........................................ 251
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........26
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................24
Call
Accepting ...................................... 184
Connecting .................................... 184
Rejecting ....................................... 184
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Calling voicemail ............................... 185
Call list Opening and selecting an entry .....192
Saving an entry in the address
book .............................................. 193
Call lists ............................................. 192
Displaying details ........................... 188
Storing an entry which has not yet
been stored ................................... 193
Call waiting ........................................ 185
Capacities see Technical data
Care
Carpets .......................................... 417
Car wash ........................................ 410
Display ........................................... 415
Gear or selector lever ....................416
Headlamps ..................................... 414
Matte finish ................................... 413
Night View Assist Plus ...................415
Notes ............................................. 410
Paint .............................................. 412
Plastic trim .................................... 415
Power washer ................................ 412
Rear view camera .......................... 414
Roof lining ...................................... 417
Seat belt ........................................ 416
Seat covers .................................... 416
Sensors ......................................... 414
Steering wheel ............................... 416
Tail pipes ....................................... 414
Trim strips ..................................... 416
Washing by hand ........................... 411
Wheels ........................................... 412
Windows ........................................ 413
Wiper blades .................................. 413
Wooden trim .................................. 416
cargo compartment
Power closing feature ......................80
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 386
Car pool lanes .................................... 154
Category Satellite radio ................................ 202
CD
Copy protection ............................. 212
Data medium ................................. 212
General information .......................212
Inserting ........................................ 204
Multisession .................................. 211
Playback options ........................... 211
Selecting a medium .......................208
Selecting a track ............................ 208
CD player/CD changer
Operation (COMAND) ....................204
Center console ..................................... 35
Central locking Activating/deactivating
(COMAND) ..................................... 233
SmartKey ......................................... 72
Changing bulbs
Headlamps ..................................... 250
Changing direction
Announcement phase ....................152
Change of direction phase .............152
Preparation phase .........................1526Index
Cup holder ......................................... 387
Center console .............................. 387
Rear compartment .........................388
Current fuel consumption (on-
board computer) ............................... 332
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ............................................... 26
Customer Relations Department ....... 26
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data carrier
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 213
Data medium
Audio DVD ..................................... 211
CD/DVD ........................................ 212
MP3 ............................................... 211
Date format
Setting ........................................... 130
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 358
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 341
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (COMAND) ...........232
Interior lighting (COMAND) ............232
Destination
Adopting from the list of previous
destinations ................................... 163
Destination entry
Point of interest ............................. 147
Destination information ................... 156
Destination input .............................. 138
Address ......................................... 138
Destination memory ......................144
Intermediate stop .......................... 146
Last destination ............................. 144
Map ............................................... 145
Destination memory ......................... 162
Deleting an entry ........................... 165
My address .................................... 162
Storing a destination .....................163
Digital speedometer ......................... 332
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 415
Display messages
Brakes ........................................... 350
Calling up (on-board computer) .....343
Clearing (on-board computer) ........343
Driving systems ............................. 363
Engine ............................................ 359
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 373
Lamps ............................................ 355
Safety systems .............................. 344
Service interval display ..................409
SmartKey ....................................... 373
Tires ............................................... 369
Vehicle ........................................... 371
Distance
see Route overview
Distance recorder ............................. 332
Distance warning lamp ..................... 381
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 293
Deactivating ................................... 300
Display message ............................ 368
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 300
Driving tips .................................... 301
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 299
Warning lamp ................................. 381
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 79
Display message ............................ 372
Emergency locking ........................... 80
Emergency unlocking .......................80
Opening (from inside) ......................79
Power closing feature ......................80
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 37
Doors
Important safety notes ....................78
Drinking and driving ......................... 287
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 278
Manual ........................................... 279
Driving abroad ................................... 291
Driving on flooded roads .................. 2908Index
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 388
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 27
Emergency unlocking .......................80
Equipment ....................................... 23
Exterior view .................................... 30
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 341
Loading .......................................... 448
Lowering ........................................ 425
Maintenance .................................... 24
Parking up ..................................... 286
Raising ........................................... 422
Reporting problems .........................26
Towing away .................................. 430
Tow-starting ................................... 430
Transporting .................................. 433
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 474
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 467
Vehicle level ...................................... 304
Active Body Control .......................305
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 364
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 420
Vehicle weights ................................. 474
Video (DVD) ........................................ 335
Video DVD Fast forward/rewind ...................... 225
Operation ....................................... 223
Pause function ............................... 226
Selecting ........................................ 225
Selecting a film/title ...................... 226
Selecting a scene/chapter ............226
Stop function ................................. 226
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 335
Video DVD mode Switching to ................................... 224
VIN ...................................................... 467
Voice Control System Settings ................................. 130, 131Volume
Adjusting ....................................... 124
Navigation announcements ...........124
Phone calls .................................... 124
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 377
Brakes ........................................... 375
Check Engine ................................. 380
ESP ®
.............................................. 378
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 379
Fuel tank ........................................ 380
Overview .......................................... 33
Reserve fuel ................................... 380
Seat belt ........................................ 376
SRS ................................................ 379
Tire pressure monitor ....................381
Warranty ............................................ 466
Waveband Switching (radio) ............................ 196
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 425
Wheel chock ...................................... 422
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................460
Changing a wheel .......................... 421
Checking ........................................ 438
Cleaning ......................................... 412
Mounting a wheel .......................... 424
Removing a wheel ..........................424
Storing ........................................... 461
Tightening torque ........................... 425
Wheel size/tire size .......................461
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 347
Operation ......................................... 46
Windows
see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 413
Windshield Defrosting ...................................... 260
Infrared reflective .......................... 400
Windshield washer fluid (display
message) ............................................ 373
Windshield washer system Adding washer fluid .......................408
Notes ............................................. 473
Index21
Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:Turn signal246;Electric parking brake, red375! Electric parking
brake, red (Canada only)375
=Electric parking brake,
yellow375
! Electric parking
brake, yellow (Canada only)375
?Seat belt376AESP®378BDistance warning381FunctionPageCBrakes (USA only)375J Brakes (Canada only)375DESP® OFF378ETire pressure monitor381FEngine diagnostics380GABS377HSRS379IHigh-beam headlamps246JReserve fuel380Instrument cluster33At a glance
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS ( Brake Assist System Plus*)
R Adaptive brake lamps
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS)
Important 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.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
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.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWarning
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS)GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you
when braking in hazardous situations and
uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the
traffic conditions.
GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident. Personal or fatal
injury to you or others may be the result.
i This equipment has been approved by the
FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor system is intended for use in
an automotive radar system only. Removal,
tampering, or altering of the device will void
any warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with the device in any
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time. Should you approach a detected
obstacle quickly, BAS PLUS calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end
collision. Should you additionally apply the
brakes, BAS PLUS will automatically increase
the braking force to a level suitable for the
traffic conditions.
62Driving safety systemsSafety
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, PRE-SAFE ®
is activated
simultaneously.XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again when:
R you release the brake pedal
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example, stopped or
parked vehicles.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational. You can check this by activating
DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 293) or via the
"radar sensor" function in the on-board
computer( Y page 342).
GWarning!
BAS PLUS will only respond with brake
assistance if it has clearly detected an object.
Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not
reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and
approaching traffic or cross-traffic.
BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles
driving in front of you, such as motorcycles
and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle
center.
Following a collision or accident-related
damage to the front end of the vehicle, have
the configuration and operation of the radar
sensors checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
Adaptive brake lights
i Adaptive brake lamps are only available in
the USA and only on the S 600.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is
assisted by BAS or BAS PLUS, the brake
lamps flash rapidly. In this way, traffic
traveling behind you is warned in an even
more noticeable manner.
If you brake from a speed of more than
40 mph (70 km/h) to a standstill, the hazard
warning lamps are switched on automatically
when the vehicle is stationary. If the brakes
are applied again, the brake lamps light up
continuously. The hazard warning lamps
switch off automatically if you drive faster
than 6 mph (10 km/h) again. You can also
switch off the hazard warning lamps using the
hazard warning lamp button ( Y page 248).
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
Driving safety systems63SafetyZ
If ESP®
intervenes, the ÷ warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.GWarning
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. 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 to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
using a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the electric parking brake is
being tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Activating/deactivating ESP ®GWarning!
The ESP 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 ESP when a spare wheel
is mounted.
GWarning
CL 63 AMG: ESP ®
should not be deactivated
during normal driving.
Deactivating the system results in the
following:
R no restriction to the engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's own oversteering
and understeering characteristics are desired
and requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver who is able to handle
these critical driving situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Beware of these limits if you deactivate
ESP ®
.
Do not deactivate ESP ®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
64Driving safety systemsSafety