2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Condition

Starting the engine
Important safety notesGWarning
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.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
Automatic transmission
XShift the transmission to position P.
i
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey to position 3 in the
ignition lock (Y page 299) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine
GWarning!
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle without inserting the
SmartKey in the ignition lock. The
SmartKey must be in the vehicle.XThe Start/Stop button must be inserted in
the ignition lock.
i To start the engine with the SmartKey
instead of with KEYLESS-GO, remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XPress the Start/Stop button once
( Y page 299).
The engine starts.
Pulling away
Automatic transmission
GWarning
It is dangerous to shift AUTOTRONIC out of
parking position P or neutral position N if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
i It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position P to the desired position if
you depress the brake pedal. Only then is
the parking lock released. If you do not
depress the brake pedal, you can move the
DIRECT SELECT selector lever but the
parking lock remains engaged.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XShift the transmission to position D or R.XWait until the gear change is completed
before pulling away.Driving301Driving and parkingZ

your seat belt or remove your foot from the
brake pedal, the engine will automatically
start. The vehicle may begin moving. You
could suffer serious or even fatal injury or
cause an accident resulting in injury or death.
Never leave the vehicle while the ECO symbol
in the multifunction display is shown in green
or yellow. Always secure the vehicle against
rolling away before leaving it.
! Always switch the ignition off and take the
key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Automatic engine switch-off
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is
braked to a standstill and the brake remains
depressed with the transmission in position
D or N.
i You can still activate HOLD when the
vehicle is stationary, even if the engine has
been switched off automatically. It is then
not necessary to continue applying the
brakes during the automatic stop phase.
When you depress the accelerator pedal,
the engine starts automatically and the
braking effect of the HOLD function is
deactivated. Depress the accelerator pedal
carefully, as the engine must be started
first.
The engine is only switched off if:
R the outside temperature is within the range
which is suitable for the system.
R the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the hood is closed.
Rno engine relevant diagnostics are active.
R the driver's door is closed and the seat belt
is fastened.
Automatic engine start
The engine is started automatically if you:
R release the brake pedal when HOLD is not
activated and the transmission is in
position D or N
R shift the transmission to position R
R depress the accelerator pedal
R switch off the ECO start/stop function or
switch to drive program S or M
R unfasten your seat belt or open the driver's
door
The engine is also started automatically if:
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the system detects moisture on the
windshield when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior
deviates from the set range.
R the battery's condition of charge is too low.
Deactivating/activating the ECO start/
stop function
General notes
You can activate and deactivate the ECO
start/stop function using COMAND
( Y page 257).
i You can also use the programmable
button ( Y page 118) to activate and
deactivate the ECO start/stop function if
you have assigned this function to the
button.
Deactivating
XDeactivate the ECO start/stop function
using COMAND ( Y page 257):
The ECO symbol goes out and the Stop/
Start deactivated display message is
shown in the multifunction display.Driving303Driving and parkingZ

iIf drive program S or M has been selected,
the ECO start/stop function is always
deactivated.
ActivatingXActivate the ECO start/stop function using
COMAND ( Y page 257).
The ECO symbol and the Stop/Start
active display message is shown in the
multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Y page 303) are fulfilled, the
Stop/Start inactive message appears.
i
If you activate the ECO Start/Stop
function in the drive programs S or M, drive
program C is selected automatically.
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Automatic drive program
Drive program E (drive program C on AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased sensitivity, which improves
driving stability on slippery road surfaces,
for example
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner, which results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
In drive program S, the automatic
transmission shifts up later.
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range ( Y page 311).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Driving situations=You can use the engine's braking
effect.5To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions4To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretchesRestricting the shift rangeXPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is restricted.
i In order to prevent the engine from
overrevving, the automatic transmission
does not shift down when the engine speed
is too high.
i If the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up in order to prevent the engine
from overrevving, even if the shift range is
restricted.
Derestricting the shift range
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction
XPull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until D is shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows ideal acceleration and
deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program
The manual drive program is only available for
AMG vehicles.
Automatic transmission311Driving and parkingZ

lock is in position 1 or if the ignition is
switched on using the Start/Stop button.
Releasing the electric parking brake
automatically
The electric parking brake is released
automatically when the following conditions
are simultaneously fulfilled:
R the engine is running.
R the automatic transmission is in position
D or R.
R the hood is closed.
R your seat belt is fastened.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the automatic transmission is in position
R , the trunk lid must be closed.
For the parking brake to be released
automatically if your seat belt is not fastened,
the following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the driver's door is closed.
R you shift out of P or you have previously
driven faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Engaging the electric parking brake
manually
XPush handle :.
The red F indicator lamp (USA only) or
the red ! indicator lamp (Canada only)
in the instrument cluster lights up.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied even if the SmartKey has been
removed.
Engaging the electric parking brake
automatically
The electric parking brake is automatically
applied if HOLD or DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
the vehicle until it is stationary and at least
one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
R the engine is switched off.
R the driver's door is open and the seat belt
is not fastened.
R the hood is released.
R the trunk lid is opened while the automatic
transmission is in position R.
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy
period.
The red F indicator lamp (USA only) or the
red ! indicator lamp (Canada only) in the
instrument cluster lights up.
i In addition to the electric parking brake,
P may also be engaged automatically.
Emergency braking with the electric
parking brake
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency using the electric parking brake.
XWhile driving, push handle : of the electric
parking brake ( Y page 317).
i
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
the handle of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
R a warning tone sounds.
R the Release parking brake message
appears.
R red F indicator lamp (USA only) or
red ! indicator lamp (Canada only)
appears in the instrument cluster
When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged.
Parking up the vehicle
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than four weeks, the battery may be damaged
by exhaustive discharge.
XDisconnect the battery or connect it to a
trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
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workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer
damage as a result of lack of use.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
Driving tips
General notes on driving
Important safety notes
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, we recommend that
you pull over to a safe location and stop
before placing or taking a telephone call.
If you choose to use the telephone 21
while
driving, please use the hands-free device and
only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile telephone while driving a vehicle.
Only operate the COMAND 21
(Cockpit
Management and Data System) if road,
weather and traffic conditions permit.
Otherwise, you may not be able to observe
traffic conditions and could endanger yourself
and others.
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.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel, observe the following notes:
XKeep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.XRemove unnecessary cargo.XRemove the roof rack when not in use.XMaintain a low engine speed until the
engine is warm.XAvoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.XHave all maintenance work performed at
the service intervals specified in the
Service Booklet or indicated by the service
interval indicator.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
21 Observe all legal requirements.Driving tips319Driving and parkingZ

During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Coasting with the engine switched offGWarning!
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust check
GWarning
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.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work optimally if they are
maintained exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine must be carried
out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-
Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Service Booklet.
Brakes
Important safety notes
GWarning
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the cargo on the brakes by shifting
to a lower gear in good time. This allows
you to take advantage of engine braking
and helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine
braking, a drive wheel may not turn for
some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface.
This could cause damage to the drive train.
Such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWarning
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
cargo, do not stop the vehicle immediately,
320Driving tipsDriving and parking

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