2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class start stop button

but drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roadsGWarning
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt
treated roads
GWarning
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
GWarning
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: a function or
performance test may only be carried out
on a two-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
a dynamometer, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, the drive train
or the brake system may suffer damage.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or
1 ) when the electric parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
Driving tips321Driving and parkingZ

! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the electric parking brake on a
brake dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should regularly test
your brake system's function by forcefully
depressing the brake pedal when driving at
high speed. This also improves the brake
pads' friction.GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS) can be
found on ( Y page 67) or of BAS PLUS on
( Y page 68).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles
The high-performance brake system is only
installed on the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG.
GWarning
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed for heavy loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tires have adequate tread depth
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
R Lower your speed
R Avoid ruts
R Brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or AUTOTRONIC.
Water can also be drawn in by the engine's
air suction nozzles and this can cause
engine damage.
322Driving tipsDriving and parking

Upshift indicator up ; indicates that the
engine has reached the overrevving range
when in the manual gearshift program.
Upshift indicator up ; fades out other
messages until you have shifted up.
When the engine oil temperature is below
80 †, the oil temperature is shown in blue.
Avoid driving at full engine output during this
time.
RACETIMER
Displaying and starting RACETIMER
GWarning
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
You can use the RACETIMER to store lap
times.
When RACETIMER is displayed, you cannot
adjust the volume using the W and X
buttons on the steering wheel.
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.
XPress the 9 button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
:Gear indicator;Seconds indicator=RACETIMER?LapYou can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the key is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
XTo start: press the W button to start the
RACETIMER.
XTo display the intermediate time: press
X to show the intermediate time.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.
XTo stop: press the W button to stop the
RACETIMER.
The RACETIMER interrupts timing when you
stop the vehicle and turn the key to position
1 in the ignition lock. When you turn the key
to position 2 or 3 and then press the W
button, timing is continued.
Storing the lap time and starting a new lap
It is possible to store a maximum of sixteen
laps.
XPress the X button on the steering
wheel to show the intermediate time during
timing.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.
XPress the X button again within five
seconds.
The displayed intermediate time is stored
as a lap time.
Timing starts for a new lap. The new lap is
timed from when the intermediate time is
called up.
:Gear indicator;RACETIMER=Fastest lap time (best lap)372Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays

Resetting the current lapXPress the W button on the steering
wheel to stop the RACETIMER.
XPress X to reset the lap time to "0”.
Deleting all laps
You cannot delete individual stored laps.
XPress the W button on the steering
wheel to stop the RACETIMER.
XPress and hold the X button for a
minimum of three seconds.
XPress the W button to start the
RACETIMER.
All laps are deleted.
or
XPress the W button on the steering
wheel to stop the RACETIMER.
XPress a.
Reset Race Timer appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress : to select Yes and press a
to confirm.
All laps are deleted.
Overall evaluation
This function is shown if you have stored at
least one lap and stopped the RACETIMER.
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.
XPress the 9 button repeatedly until the
overall evaluation is shown.
:RACETIMER overall evaluation;Total time driven=Top speed?Distance coveredAAverage speed
Lap evaluation
This function is only available if you have
stored at least two laps and have stopped the
RACETIMER.
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.
XPress the 9 button repeatedly until the
lap evaluation is shown.
Each lap is shown in a separate submenu.
The fastest lap is indicated by flashing
symbol :.
:Lap;Lap time=Top speed during lap?Lap lengthAAverage lap speedXPress 9 or : to select a different lap
evaluation.
Menus and submenus373On-board computer and displaysZ

XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Telephone
menu.XPress the 9, : or a button to call
up the phone book.XPress 9 or : to select the name you
are searching for.
To scroll rapidly, press and hold the :
or 9 button for longer than one second.
After skipping eight entries, the rapid scroll
speeds up.
Rapid scrolling stops when you release the
button or reach the end of the list.XIf only one telephone number is stored
for a name: press the 6 or a button
to start dialing.
or
XIf there is more than one number for a
particular name: press the 6 or a
button to display the numbers.XPress the 9 or : button to select the
number you want to dial.XPress the 6 or a button to start
dialing.
or
XIf you do not want to make a call: press
the ~ button.
Redialing
The on-board computer saves the last names
or numbers dialed in the redial memory
( Calls Dialed list).
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Telephone
menu.XPress the 6 button to switch to the
redial memory.XPress the 9 or : button to select the
desired name or number.
To scroll rapidly, press and hold the :
or 9 button for longer than one second.XPress the 6 or a button to start
dialing.Assistance menu
Showing the distance display
This function is only available with
DISTRONIC PLUS.
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the DriveAssist menu.XPress 9 or : to select Distance
Display .XPress a.
The DISTRONIC PLUS distance display
( Y page 332) appears in the multifunction
display.
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
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.
For further information about
ESP ®
(Y page 69).
XStart the engine.XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the DriveAssist menu.XPress 9 or : to select ESP.XPress a.XTo deactivate: press a again.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on.Menus and submenus375On-board computer and displaysZ

much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 513).
XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
Checking and adding other service
products
Check coolant level
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the key to position 2 (Y page 299) in
the ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 299).
XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
GWarning
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
Ruse extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
Rdo not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
Rusing a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1/2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
Rdo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.
XTurn cap : further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 515).
Windshield washer system/headlamp
cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
450Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

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

with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the
painted surface, paint care products should
be used that have been approved and
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. This is the
case approximately every three to five
months, depending on climatic conditions
and the care product used.
If dirt has entered the paint surface or the
paintwork has become dull, a paint cleaner
should be used that has been approved and
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Never use such care products in direct
sunlight or on a hot hood.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch Up stick, for quick, temporary repair
of damaged paintwork.
Matte finish care
If your vehicle has a clear matte finish,
observe the following instructions in order to
avoid damage to the paintwork due to
incorrect care.
! Never polish the vehicle. Polishing causes
the finish to shine.
! Do not use paintwork cleaner, grinding or
polishing products or gloss preservers such
as wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Using them on
vehicles with matte paintwork can cause
severe damage to the surface (shiny,
mottled patches).
Always have paintwork repairs performed
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
i Use only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the windowsGWarning
Switch off the windshield wipers and remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock before
cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button repeatedly until all
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster have
gone off. The windshield wipers could
otherwise move and injure you.
! Only fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield when vertical. Otherwise,
you will damage the hood.
XClean the inside and outside of the
windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not use hard objects to clean the insides
of the windows, e.g. an ice scraper or ring.
There is otherwise a risk of damaging the
windows.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain
circumstances prevent water from draining
away. This can lead to corrosion damage
and damage to electronic components.
Care455Maintenance and careZ