2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class ESP

Vehicle remote opening
If you have unintentionally locked your
vehicle (e.g. the SmartKey is inside the
vehicle) and a replacement key is not
available:
XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under the
number 1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your password.XReturn to your vehicle at the time arranged
with the Response Center.XPull the trunk handle for at least 20
seconds until the indicator lamp in the SOS
button ( Y page 433) flashes.
The Connecting Call message appears in
the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be opened
via the Internet in the "Owners Online"
section using your ID number and
password 32
.
i Vehicle remote unlocking is only possible
if the corresponding cellular phone
network is accessible.
The SOS button flashes and the
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display to confirm that the
command for vehicle remote unlocking has
been received.
If you pull the trunk handle for more than
20 seconds before receiving authorization
for remote unlocking, you must wait 15
minutes before you can pull on the handle
of the trunk lid again.
Remote vehicle locking in an
emergency
If you forget to lock your vehicle but are no
longer in the vicinity of the vehicle, it can be
locked for you by the Response Center.
The vehicle can be locked remotely up to four
days after the ignition was last switched off.
XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under
866-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your PIN.
The next time you are in your vehicle and
switch on the ignition, the Tele Aid Doors
Locked Remotely message appears in the
multifunction display.
i The vehicle remote locking feature is
available when the relevant mobile phone
network is available and data connection is
possible.
Automatic retrieval of vehicle data for
the service due date
Your vehicle comes with a function which
improves the servicing of the vehicle
considerably. Shortly before the service due
date, mbrace sends important vehicle
maintenance information to your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. In this way, the
Mercedes-Benz Center is informed of the
work required. This happens automatically
and does not require any action from the
driver. This function allows the Mercedes-
Benz Center to improve appointment
planning significantly and ensures that your
vehicle receives the best service possible.
i The "Automatic retrieval of vehicle data
for the service due date" function is only
available if the relevant mobile phone
network is available and a data connection
is possible.
32 USA only.438FeaturesLoading, stowing and features

Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services
If your vehicle has been stolen:
XContact the police.
The police will issue an incident report. This
report has a number.XThis number will be forwarded to the
Response Center together with your PIN.
The Response Center will then attempt to
covertly contact the mbrace system. The
Response Center contacts you and the
local law enforcement authority if the
vehicle is located. However, only the law
enforcement authority is informed of the
location of the vehicle.
i If the anti-theft alarm system remains
activated for longer than thirty seconds,
mbrace is automatically connected to the
Customer Assistance Center.
Garage door opener
Important safety notes
The remote control integrated in the rear-view
mirror allows you to operate up to three
different door and gate systems.
i Certain garage door openers are not
compatible with the integrated remote
control. If you experience problems when
programming the integrated remote
control, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or call the following service
hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-800-387-0100
GWarning
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent
potential harm or damage. When
programming a garage door opener, the door
moves up or down. When programming a gate
operator, the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control with
any garage door opener that lacks safety stop
and reverse features as required by U.S.
federal safety standards (this includes any
garage door opener model manufactured
before April 1, 1982). A garage door that
cannot detect an object - signaling the door
to stop and reverse - does not meet current
U.S. federal safety standards.
When programming a garage door opener,
park vehicle outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming the
integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All
exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO),
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness
and possible death. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and possible death.
i USA only:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC requirements. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. The device must not cause harmful
interference.
2. The device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Unauthorized modification of this device
could void the device's operating permit.
i Canada only:
This device complies with the RSS-210
requirements of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. The device must not cause harmful
interference.
2. The device must withstand any
interference received, includingFeatures439Loading, stowing and featuresZ

Rsolvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period right after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
brake pads, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked up.
Exterior care
Automatic car wash
GWarning
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, you must drive particularly
carefully after washing the vehicle until the
brakes have dried.
GWarning
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function and DISTRONIC
PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an
automatic car wash.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that AUTOTRONIC is in
transmission position N, otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged.
R Vehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock. Do not open the driver's
door or front-passenger door when the
engine is switched off. Otherwise,
AUTOTRONIC selects park position P
automatically and locks the wheels. You
can prevent this by shifting AUTOTRONIC
to N beforehand.
R Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, AUTOTRONIC
selects park position P automatically and
locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N:XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.XTurn the key to position 2 (Y page 299) in
the ignition lock.
Use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.XDepress and hold the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission to
position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the key in
the ignition lock.
! Make sure that the side windows are
completely closed, that the ventilation/
heating is switched off and that the
windshield wiper switch is set to 0.
Otherwise, the rain/light sensor could be
activated, triggering unintended wiper
Care453Maintenance and careZ

movements. This can cause damage to the
vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Also, clean the insides of the wheels when
washing the underbody of the vehicle.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.XUse a soft car sponge for cleaning.XUse a gentle cleaning agent, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz approved car shampoo.XWash down the vehicle with a gentle water
jet.XDo not point the water jet directly at the air
inlets.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
frequently.XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
it thoroughly with a chamois.XDo not allow the cleaning agent to dry on
the paintwork.
Power washers
GWarning
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles (concentrated-power jets) to clean
your vehicle, especially for cleaning tires. You
could otherwise damage the tires and cause
an accident.
! Keep the distance between the vehicle
and the nozzle of the power washer at
11.8 in (30 cm). Information about the
correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door joint
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period right after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
brake pads, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked up.
Cleaning the paintwork
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop immediately, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
XRemove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently454CareMaintenance and care

Cleaning the exhaust tail pipes
Impurities combined with the effects of road
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. You
can restore the original shine of the exhaust
tail pipe by cleaning it regularly, especially in
winter and after washing.
! Do not clean the exhaust tail pipes with
alkaline-based cleaning agents, such as
wheel cleaner.
XClean the exhaust tail pipes with a chrome
care product tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Interior care
Cleaning the display
XBefore cleaning the display, make sure that
it is switched off and has cooled down.XClean the display surface using a
commercially-available microfiber cloth
and TFT/LCD display cleaner.XDry the display surface using a dry
microfiber cloth.
! For cleaning, do not use any of the
following:
R alcohol-based thinner or gasoline
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household
cleaning agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to
irreparable damage to the display.
Cleaning Night View Assist Plus
! Never clean the camera lens. When
cleaning the field of vision of the driving
systems, make sure that you do not spray
glass cleaner on the camera lens. If the
camera lens is dirty, visit a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver's
attention to the road must always be his/her
primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, stop before trying to
remove window fogging or cleaning the
window in front of the Night View Assist Plus
camera.
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.
XFold down the camera cover by recess :.XUse a soft cloth to clean the windshield in
front of camera ;.Care457Maintenance and careZ

Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel or the
MOExtended run-flat system. ( Y page 467)
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with the MOExtended run-flat
system.
XStop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XEngage the electric parking brake manually
( Y page 317).XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XMove the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the key from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the key having been
removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 299).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicleGWarning
The wheel and tire size of the emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of
the damaged wheel. When using an
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the
handling characteristics of the vehicle may
change.
Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel that
differs in size.
Only use an emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel of a differing size briefly and do not
switch off ESP ®
.
When using an emergency spare wheel, you
must not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
GWarning
Have the different-sized emergency spare
wheel/spare wheel replaced with a new
wheel as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop that has the necessary
specialist knowledge and tools to carry out
the work required. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. In
particular, work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop.
i Vehicles without an emergency spare
wheel/spare wheel are not equipped with
a tire-change tool kit at the factory. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, e.g. wheel chock, alignment bolt,
or lug wrench, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Flat tire463Roadside assistanceZ

XPrepare the vehicle as described
(Y page 463).
XRemove the following items from the
stowage well under the trunk floor:
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away
GWarning
Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on
slight inclines/declines. The vehicle could
otherwise fall off the jack and injure you or
others.
If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock,
it can be found in the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 462).
The folding wheel chock is an additional
securing measure to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away, for example when changing a
wheel.
XFold both plates upwards :.XFold out lower plate ;.XGuide the lugs on the lower plate fully into
openings in base plate =.
Securing the vehicle on level ground
XOn level ground: place chocks or other
suitable items under the front and rear of
the wheel that is diagonally opposite the
wheel you wish to change.
Securing the vehicle on slight downhill gradients
XOn downhill gradients: place chocks or
other suitable items in front of the wheels
of the front and rear axle.
Raising the vehicle
GWarning
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jacking points built into both
sides of the vehicle. The jack saddle must be
placed centrally under the jacking point. The
jack must always be vertical when in use,
especially on inclines or declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
464Flat tireRoadside assistance

The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode depends on the
cargo in the vehicle. You can drive 50 miles
(80 km) if the vehicle is partially laden and
18 miles (30 km) if it is fully laden.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph(80 km/h).GWarning!
The handling characteristics of your vehicle
deteriorate in run-flat mode, for example:
R when cornering
R when braking
R when accelerating rapidly
Adapt your driving style accordingly and avoid
sudden changes in direction and sudden
acceleration, as well as driving over obstacles
(i.e. curbs, potholes), and driving off-road.
This is particularly the case when the vehicle
is heavily laden.
The maximum permissible distance that can
be driven in run-flat mode depends to a large
extent on the loads placed on the vehicle. It
can be shorter due to high speeds, a heavy
cargo, sudden changes in direction, the road
surface condition, outside temperature, etc.,
or further if you drive carefully and
conservatively.
Do not continue to drive in run-flat mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tire.
After driving in run-flat mode, you must have
the wheel(s) checked for damage at a
qualified specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required. The faulty tire
must be replaced in every case.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
i When replacing one or all tires, make sure
that you only use tires marked
MOExtended and of the specified size for
the vehicle.
Battery
Important safety notes
In order for the battery to achieve the
maximum possible service life, it must always
be sufficiently charged.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Observe the service intervals in the Service
Booklet or for further information consult a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the battery charge checked more
frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for
a lengthy period.
To prevent damage from corrosion, only
replace the battery with one that has a central
ventilation cover.
Only replace a battery with a battery that has
been recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you wish to leave your vehicle parked up for
a long period of time.
GWarning
Hybrid vehicles: ensure that you read the
"HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise fail
to recognize dangers.
GWarning
Comply with safety precautions and take
protective measures when handling batteries.
468BatteryRoadside assistance