2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class ESP

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and to
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
R model
R order
R country specification
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
You cannot therefore base any claims on the
data, illustrations or descriptions contained
in this manual.
The following are integral parts of the vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Supplements relating to vehicle equipment
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.2215842383
É2215842383tËÍ

Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 332
Driving tips .................................... 333
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 331
Warning lamp ................................. 419
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 83
Display message ............................ 410
Emergency locking ........................... 84
Emergency unlocking .......................84
Opening (from inside) ......................83
Power closing feature ......................84
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 37
Doors
Important safety notes ....................82
Drinking and driving ......................... 319
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 311
Manual ........................................... 311
Driving abroad ................................... 323
Driving Assistance package ............. 352
Driving on flooded roads .................. 322
Driving safety system BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 68
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution ...................................... 71
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 69
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 70
Important safety information ...........66
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......67
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 71
Adaptive brake lamps ......................69
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............67
Overview .......................................... 66
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 71
Driving system
Driving Assistance package ...........352Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................356
Active Body Control .......................338
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 355
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............359
AIRMATIC ...................................... 336
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................347
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 352
Cruise control ................................ 323
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 325
HOLD function ............................... 335
Lane Keeping Assist ......................354
Night View Assist Plus ...................348
Parking Guidance ........................... 342
PARKTRONIC ................................. 339
Rear view camera .......................... 346
Driving tips ........................................ 309
Braking .......................................... 322
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Downhill gradients .........................320
Driving on flooded roads ................322
Wet road surface ........................... 321
Winter ............................................ 323
DTMF tones
Sending ......................................... 200
DVD
Copy protection ............................. 225
Data medium ................................. 225
Handling ........................................ 186
Inserting ........................................ 217
Selecting a track ............................ 221
DVD changer ...................................... 217
DVD menu .................................. 240, 253
DVD playback conditions ................. 237
DVD-Video Picture settings .............................. 236
DVD-Video Operation
Automatic picture shutoff ..............235
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 108
Activating (COMAND) ....................258
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 108
Activating (COMAND) ....................258
Crash-responsive ........................... 109
Index9

EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 389
EBD (Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) Function/notes ................................ 71
ECO function ...................................... 257
ECO start/stop function Deactivating/activating .................303
General information .......................302
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Trunk ............................................... 88
Vehicle ............................................. 84
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................313
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 462
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 59
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....24
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 305
Starting problems ..........................305
Starting the engine with the key ....301
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............301
Switching off .................................. 316
Warning lamp Check Engine ..........418
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 305
Engine emergency stop .................... 477
Engine number .................................. 510
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 449
Checking the oil level ..................... 447
Display message ............................ 399Filling capacity ............................... 511
Lubricant additives ........................514
Notes about oil grades ................... 513
Temperature (on-board computer) . 371
Viscosity ........................................ 514
Entering characters
In the address and the phone
book .............................................. 130
Using the number pad ...................128
Entry
Deleting ......................................... 129
Saving ............................................ 131
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................70
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 375
Display message ............................ 381
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 70
Important safety information ...........69
Warning lamp ................................. 416
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 70
Example: entering an address .......... 151
Example display Audio CD mode .............................. 219
Example of operation ........................ 126
Exhaust check ................................... 320
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 457
Exterior lighting see Exterior lighting
Exterior mirror parking position
Adjusting (COMAND) .....................258
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 109
Dipping (automatic) .......................110
Folding in/out (automatically) .......110
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........110
Out of position ............................... 110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111
Storing the parking position ..........111
Exterior view ........................................ 30
External authorization ...................... 147
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 42310Index

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................84
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 83
Using the telephone .......................... 197
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 429
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 28
Emergency unlocking .......................84
Equipment ....................................... 24
Exterior view .................................... 30
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 377
Loading .......................................... 490
Lowering ........................................ 467
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking up ..................................... 318
Raising ........................................... 464
Reporting problems .........................27
Towing away .................................. 473
Tow-starting ................................... 473
Transporting .................................. 475
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 516
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 509
Vehicle level ...................................... 336
Active Body Control .......................338
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 402
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 462
Vehicle weights ................................. 516
Video (DVD) ........................................ 371
Video DVD Fast forward/rewind ...................... 238
Operation ....................................... 236
Pause function ............................... 239
Selecting ........................................ 238
Selecting a film/title ...................... 239
Selecting a scene/chapter ............239
Stop function ................................. 239
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 371
Video DVD mode Switching to ................................... 237
VIN ...................................................... 509
Voice Control System Settings ......................................... 143
Volume
Adjusting ....................................... 132
Navigation announcements ...........132
Phone calls .................................... 132
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 415
Brakes ........................................... 413
Check Engine ................................. 418
ESP ®
.............................................. 416
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 417
Fuel tank ........................................ 418
Overview .......................................... 33
Reserve fuel ................................... 418
Seat belt ........................................ 414
SRS ................................................ 417
Tire pressure monitor ....................419
Warranty ............................................ 508
Waveband Switching (radio) ............................ 209
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 467
Wheel chock ...................................... 464
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................502
Changing a wheel .......................... 463
Checking ........................................ 480
Cleaning ......................................... 454
Mounting a wheel .......................... 466
Removing a wheel ..........................466
Storing ........................................... 503
Tightening torque ........................... 467
Wheel size/tire size .......................503
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 384
Operation ......................................... 47
Windows
see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 455
22Index

Product information
We recommend using genuine Mercedes-
Benz parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Despite ongoing
market research, Mercedes-Benz is unable to
assess other parts. We cannot therefore be
held responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
The use of non-approved parts could affect
your vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-
Benz therefore recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle. Genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, approved conversion
parts and accessories are available from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. In
addition, you will receive advice about
permissible technical modifications, and the
parts will be professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This manual describes all the standard and
optional equipment of your vehicle available
at the time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all functions described. This
also refers to safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and Literature
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your vehicle. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair any factory-fitted parts
based on the terms and conditions of the
following warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
24Introduction

Limited Warranty
! Follow the instructions in this manual
about the proper operation of your vehicle
as well as about possible vehicle damage.
Damage to your vehicle that arises from
culpable contraventions against these
instructions are not covered either by
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty or by the
New or Used-Vehicle Warranty of
Daimler AG.
Data stored in the vehicle
Information regarding electronic
recording devices
(Including California Code Supplement
§ 9951)
Please note that your vehicle is equipped with
devices that can record vehicle systems data.
If your vehicle is equipped with mbrace 2
data
is transmitted in the event of an accident.
This information serves, for example, to test
vehicle systems after an accident and to
continually improve vehicle safety.
Daimler AG can access this data and submit
it:
R for safety research or vehicle diagnosis
purposes
R with the consent of the vehicle owner or
lessee
R in response to an official request by law
enforcement or other government agency
R for use in arbitration of disputes that
involve Daimler AG, its subsidiaries or its
sales and service organizations
R as otherwise required or permitted by law
Please observe the mbrace 2
order agreement
regarding further details on data that this
system records and transmits.
2 The system is called TELEAID in Canada.28Introduction

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:Turn signal274;Electric parking brake, red413! Electric parking
brake, red (Canada only)413
=Electric parking brake,
yellow413
! Electric parking
brake, yellow (Canada only)413
?Seat belt414AESP®416BDistance warning419FunctionPageCBrakes (USA only)413J Brakes (Canada only)413DESP® OFF416ETire pressure monitor419FEngine diagnostics418GABS415HSRS417IHigh-beam headlamps275JReserve fuel418Instrument cluster33At a glance

hand/arm injury when the driver front air
bag inflates.
R Adjust the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible from the dashboard when the
seat is occupied.
R Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
child restraint, infant restraint or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual.GWarning!
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
There is a possibility for a side impact air bag-
related injury if occupants, especially
children, are not properly seated or restrained
when next to a side impact air bag which
needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in
order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1)Occupants, especially children,
should never place their bodies or
lean their heads in the area of the
door where the side impact air bag
inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should
the side impact air bag be
deployed.(2)Always sit as upright as possible,
wear the seat belt properly and use
an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, orbooster seat recommended for the
size and weight of the child. and
for children 12 years old and
under, use an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint,
or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child.(3)Always wear seat belts properly.
If you believe that, even with the use of these
guidelines, it would be safer for your rear seat
occupants to have the rear mounted side
impact air bags deactivated, then
deactivation can be carried out upon your
written request at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center at an additional cost.
Please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call the Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372), or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100 for details.
The air bags are only deployed if the airbag
control unit detects the need for deployment.
Only in the event of such a situation will they
provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear
their seat belts. Otherwise, it is not possible
for the air bags to provide their supplemental
protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and
impacts below air bag deployment
thresholds, air bags will not deploy. The driver
and 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 provide additional protection; they
are not, however, a substitute for seat belts.
All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat
belts regardless of whether your vehicle is
equipped with air bags or not.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air
Occupant safety45SafetyZ