2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class climate control

Notes on using climate control
Below, you can find a number of notes and
recommendations to help you use climate
control optimally.
R Activate climate control using the Ã
rocker switch. The indicator lamp in the
à rocker switch lights up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.
Operating the climate control system
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information
GWARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à rocker switch ( Y page 293).
Switching the front climate control on/
off using the front control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the ^ rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
goes out. The previously selected settings
come into effect again.XTo deactivate: press the ^ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
lights up.
Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the front
control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XActivate the Y rear compartment
function via COMAND ( Y page 268).
The rear-compartment climate control can
be controlled via the front control panel
using the Y rear compartment function.XTo activate: press the ^ rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
goes out. The previously selected settings
come into effect again.XTo deactivate: press the ^ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
lights up.292Operating the climate control systemClimate control

Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the rear
control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press rocker switch
K (Y page 291) up or down and select
AUTO .
or
XPress rocker switch K(Y page 291) up or
down and select MAN.XTo switch off: press rocker switch
K (Y page 291) up or down and select
OFF .
Activating/deactivating cooling with
the air dehumidification function
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
You can activate or deactivate the cooling
with air dehumidification function via
COMAND ( Y page 267).
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function
If you can no longer switch on the cooling with
air dehumidification function via COMAND,
the cooling with air dehumidification function
is switched off due to a malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
Controlling the front climate control
using the front control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.X To switch on: press the à rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch lights up.Operating the climate control system293Climate controlZ

XTo deactivate: press the K rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch goes out.
or
XSet the air distribution using COMAND
( Y page 266).
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch goes out.
Controlling the rear-compartment
climate control automatically using the
front control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XActivate the Y rear compartment
function via COMAND ( Y page 268).
Rear-compartment climate control can be
controlled via the front control panel using
the Y rear compartment function.XSet the desired temperature.X To switch on: press rocker switch Ã
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch lights up.XTo deactivate: press the K rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch goes out.
or
XSet the air distribution using COMAND
( Y page 266).
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch goes out.
i To return to the standard display, activate
the front climate control function via
COMAND ( Y page 268).
i The rear display changes to the standard
display automatically after five seconds.
Controlling the rear-compartment
climate control automatically using the
rear control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.X To activate: press rocker switch K up or
down and select AUTO(Y page 291).XTo deactivate: press rocker switch K up
or down and select MAN or
OFF (Y page 291).
Setting the temperature
Climate control climate zones
You can select different temperature settings
for the driver's and front-passenger sides as
well as for the left and right sides of the rear
compartment and the footwells.
Setting the front-compartment
temperature using the front control
panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press the w
rocker switch up or down.
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
i You can also use COMAND to set the
temperature ( Y page 265).
294Operating the climate control systemClimate control

Setting the temperature in the rear
compartment using the front control
panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XActivate the Y rear compartment
function via COMAND ( Y page 268).
The rear-compartment climate control can
be controlled via the front control panel
using the Y rear compartment function.XTo increase/reduce: press the w
rocker switch up or down.
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
i To return to the standard display, activate
the front climate control function via
COMAND ( Y page 268).
i The rear display changes to the standard
display automatically after five seconds.
Setting the temperature in the rear
compartment using the rear control
panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press rocker
switch H or M up or down ( Y page 291).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
Setting the footwell temperature
The footwell temperature can be set via
COMAND ( Y page 268).
Setting the air distribution
Air distribution settings
The air distribution can be set individually for
the driver's and front-passenger sides.
¯Directs air through the defroster ventsPDirects air through the center and side
air ventsODirects the airflow through the
footwell air ventsSDirects air through the center, side and
footwell ventsaDirects air through the defroster and
footwell vents_Directs air through the defroster,
center, side and footwell ventsbDirects air through the defroster,
center and side air ventsWSets the air distribution to automatic
Setting the air distribution in the front/
rear compartment using COMAND
The air distribution can be set using COMAND
( Y page 266).
Setting the rear-compartment air
distribution using the rear control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress rocker switch I or L up or down
repeatedly ( Y page 291) until the desired
air distribution symbol is shown in the
display.
Setting the airflow
Setting the front-compartment airflow
using the front control panel
You can select different airflow settings for
the driver's and front-passenger sides as well
as for the rear compartment.
You can also use COMAND to set the airflow
( Y page 266).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press the K
rocker switch up or down.Operating the climate control system295Climate controlZ

Setting the rear-compartment airflow
using the front control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XActivate the Y rear compartment
function via COMAND ( Y page 268).
The rear-compartment climate control can
be controlled via the front control panel
using the Y rear compartment function.XTo increase/reduce: press the K
rocker switch up or down.
Setting the rear-compartment airflow
using the rear control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press rocker switch
J up or down ( Y page 291).
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press the ¬ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ rocker
switch lights up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 17
R high temperature 17
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo deactivate: press the ¬ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ rocker
switch goes out. The previously selected
settings come into effect again. The cooling
with air dehumidification function remains
on. Air-recirculation mode remains
deactivated.
or
XPress the w rocker switch up or down.
or
XPress the K rocker switch up or down.
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in
vehicles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
The MAX COOL function is activated
automatically:
R if climate control is set to automatic
( Ã ) on both sides
R if additional cooling is used
The display shows MAX COOL.
This is the quickest way to cool the vehicle
interior when the sliding sunroof and the side
windows are closed.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the cooling with air
dehumidification function via COMAND
( Y page 267).XActivate automatic mode Ã.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function ( Y page 296).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
17 Depending on the outside temperature.296Operating the climate control systemClimate control

Windows fogged up on the outsideXSwitch on the windshield wipers.XActivate automatic climate control.
iYou should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ¤ rocker switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ rocker
switch lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
The rear window defroster has deactivated
itself prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the g rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch lights up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. The indicator lamp in the
g rocker switch is not lit when
automatic air-recirculation mode is
activated.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
X To deactivate: press the g rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch goes out.
i Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes if
outside temperatures are less than about
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes if outside
temperatures are over about
41 ‡ (5 †)
Operating the climate control system297Climate controlZ

Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the temperature that has
been set.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock or remove it.XTo activate: press the Ì rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the Ì rocker
switch lights up.XTo deactivate: press the Ì rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the Ì rocker
switch goes out.
i Residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R after about 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air intake grille on the hood free
of blockages, such as ice, snow or leaves
R never cover the air vents or air intake grille
in the vehicle interior.
i For virtually draft-free ventilation, adjust
the sliders of the air vents to the center
position.
Setting the center air vents
:Fixed center air vent;Center air vent, right=Center vent thumbwheel, right?Center vent thumbwheel, leftACenter air vent, leftXTo open/close: turn thumbwheels =
and ? up or down.298Setting the air ventsClimate control

Setting the side air ventsXTo open/close: turn thumbwheel = up or
down.
i Side window defroster vent : is never
completely shut, even if side air vent ; is
shut.
Setting the glove box air vent
When automatic climate control is activated,
the glove box can be ventilated, for instance
to cool its contents. The level of airflow
depends on the airflow and air distribution
settings.
! Close the air vent when heating the
vehicle.
At high outside temperatures, open the air
vent and activate the "cooling with air
dehumidification" function. Otherwise,
temperature-sensitive items stored in the
glove box could be damaged.
XTo open: turn thumbwheel : counter-
clockwise from position 3 to position 2.XTo close: turn thumbwheel : clockwise
from position 2 to position 3.
Setting the rear-compartment air
vents
Setting the center vents in the rear
compartment
:Rear-compartment air vent, left;Rear-compartment air vent, right=Rear-compartment air vent thumbwheel,
right?Rear control panel for automatic climate
controlARear-compartment air vent thumbwheel,
leftXTo open/close: turn thumbwheel = or
A to the right or left.
i
In vehicles without rear-compartment air-
conditioning system: close the rear-
compartment air vents when heating mode
is activated, as no warm air flows through
the rear vents in the basic heating setting.
Setting the air vents299Climate controlZ