2011 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class tow

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 24At a glance ........................................... 29Safety ................................................... 41Opening and closing ...........................75Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....99COMAND ............................................ 113Lights and windshield wipers ..........271Climate control ................................. 285Driving and parking ..........................297On-board computer and displays ....363Loading, stowing and features ........421Maintenance and care ......................445Roadside assistance .........................461Tires and wheels ............................... 479Technical data ................................... 507
Contents3

SOSsee mbrace
Sound
Switching on/off ........................... 132
Sound Mode ....................................... 135
Sound settings .................................. 133
Spare wheel Notes/data .................................... 506
Storage location ............................ 462
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating
additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 377
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 368
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 377
SPLITVIEW ......................................... 120
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 384
Introduction ..................................... 42
Warning lamp ................................. 417
Warning lamp (function) ................... 42
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 368
Starting the engine Important safety notes ..................301
State/province
Selecting ........................................ 152
Station
Selecting ........................................ 209
Storing ........................................... 210
see Radio
Station search ................................... 209
Steering (display message) .............. 410
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................108
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 365
Cleaning ......................................... 458
Important safety notes ..................107
Memory function (storing
settings) ......................................... 108
Steering wheel heating ..................108
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 310
Storage options Selecting ........................................ 177
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................. 423
Door ............................................... 423
Glove box ....................................... 422
Rear ............................................... 424
Stowage space
Cup holders ................................... 427
Important safety information .........422
Rear seat backrest ......................... 425
Rear seats (between) .....................424
Stowage well ..................................... 426
Trunk floor (under) .........................426
Submenu (on-board computer)
Instrument cluster .........................377
Lights ............................................. 377
Standard display ............................ 368
Summer and standard time
Switching ....................................... 142
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 428
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Surround sound ................................. 134
Suspension tuning ............................ 337
Active Body Control .......................338
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 73
System language Setting ........................................... 148
System settings (COMAND)
Programmable button ....................118
T
Tachometer ........................................ 365
Tail lamp (display message) ............. 395
Taillight see Tail lamps
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 32
Technical data ................................... 508
S 550 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY ..... 516
S 550 BlueEFFICIENCY ..................516
S 600 ............................................. 516
S 63 AMG ...................................... 517
Index19

Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......500
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........501
Labeling (overview) ........................495
Load bearing index (definition) ......502
Load index ..................................... 498
Load index (definition) ...................501
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 501
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 501
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 501
Maximum tire load .........................494
Maximum tire load (definition) .......501
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 502
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 501
Replacing ....................................... 502
Service life ..................................... 482
Sidewall (definition) .......................502
Speed index (definition) .................500
Storing ........................................... 503
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 500
Temperature .................................. 495
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 502
Tire bead (definition) ......................502
Tire pressure (definition) ................501
Tire pressures (recommended) ......500
Tire size (data) ............................... 503
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................496
Tire tread ....................................... 481
Tire tread (definition) .....................501
Total load limit (definition) .............502
Traction ......................................... 495
Traction (definition) .......................502
Tread wear ..................................... 495
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 494
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................500
Unladen weight (definition) ............501
Wear indicator (definition) .............502
Wheel rim (definition) ....................500Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 480
Toggling .............................................. 198
Tone settings Balance and fader ..........................133
Treble and bass ............................. 133
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........473
Installing the towing eye ................474
Removing the towing eye ...............474
Track
Selecting ........................................ 248
Track information .............................. 250
Traffic jam function ........................... 168
Traffic Program Switching off .................................. 132
Traffic report
Real-time traffic report ..................174
Traffic report read-aloud function ... 172
Traffic reports .................................... 172
Transfer case ..................................... 313
Transmission position display ......... 308
Transmission positions .................... 309
Treble and bass Adjusting ....................................... 133
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 368
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 368
Resetting (on-board computer) ......369
True Image™ ...................................... 135
Trunk Automatic opening ..................... 86, 87
Emergency release ..........................88
Important safety guidelines .............85
Limiting the opening angle ............. 261
Locking separately ...........................87
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 410
Trunk lid opening height
restriction .......................................... 261
trunk load (maximum) ...................... 516
Turn signal (display message) ......... 394
Turn signals ....................................... 274
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate Index21

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

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz 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.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available.
The use of leaded fuels can damage the
catalytic converter.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses:
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
26Introduction

Exterior viewFunctionPage:Trunk lid85Vehicle tool kit462;Lights278=Rear window defroster293?Fuel filler flap313AExterior mirrors109BSliding sunroof93CDefrosting the windshield292Cleaning the windows455FunctionPageDWindshield wipers281EOpens the hood446Engine oil447Coolant450FTowing473GTires and wheels480Flat tire46330Exterior viewAt a glance

Rear seatsFunctionPage:Cup holder under the rear
seat armrest428
;Cup holder in the rear seat
armrest428
=Control panel for
multicontour seat in the
rear compartment106
?Stowage compartment in
the rear seat armrest424
AStowage box in the seat
backrest425
Rear seats39At a glance

XEngage belt tongue ; in buckle =.
Seat-belt adjustment: if necessary, the
driver's and front-passenger seat belts
automatically adjust to the upper body
(Y page 58).
XIf necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
appropriate height (Y page 58).
XIf necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the
driver's seat belt, are equipped with a special
seat belt retractor to secure child restraint
systems properly. For further information on
"Special seat belt retractors", see
(Y page 62).
For more information about releasing the seat
belt with release button ?, see "Releasing
seat belts" (Y page 58).
Seat belt adjustment
The seat-belt adjustment function adjusts the
driver's and front-passenger seat belt to the
upper body of the occupants.
The belt strap is tightened slightly when:
Ryou engage the belt tongue in the belt
buckle and you then turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock.
Rthe SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition
lock and you then engage the belt tongue
in the buckle.
The seat-belt adjustment will apply a certain
tightening force if any slack is detected
between the occupant and the seat belt. Do
not hold on to the seat belt tightly while it is
adjusting. You can switch the seat-belt
adjustment on and off in the on-board
computer (Y page 378).
Seat belt outlet height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the
driver's seat and the front-passenger seat.
Adjust the height so that the upper part of the
seat belt is routed across the center of your
shoulder.
XTo raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various
positions.
XTo lower: press and hold belt sash guide
release :.
XSlide the belt sash guide downwards.XRelease belt sash guide release : and
make sure that the belt sash guide has
engaged.
The outer seat belts in the rear compartment
are adjusted automatically.
Releasing seat belts
XPress release button ? (Y page 57) and
guide belt tongue ; back towards belt
sash guide :.
! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Belt warning for driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts have already been
58Occupant safetySafety