2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Owner's Manual

Programmable button (COMAND) ..120
Text reader speed ..........................145
Time ............................................... 144
Time zone ...................................... 144
Voice Control System ....................145
T
Tachometer ........................................ 373
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 402
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 35
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 520
Tires/wheels ................................. 514
Vehicle data ................................... 530
TELEAID
Automatic retrieval of vehicle data
(service due date) ..........................449
Call priority .................................... 447
Display message ............................ 396
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 447
Emergency call .............................. 444
Important safety notes ..................443
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............450
MB info call button ........................446
Remote vehicle locking ..................449
Roadside Assistance button ..........445
Search & Send ............................... 448
Self-test ......................................... 444
System .......................................... 443
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............449
Telephone
Accepting/ending a call ................199
Accepting a call ............................. 382
Adjusting the volume for calls .......134
Basic menu (Bluetooth ®
interface) ....................................... 198
Calling (outgoing call) ....................200
Calling voicemail ............................ 201
Conference connection .................. 201
Connecting a mobile phone
(general information) .....................195
De-authorizing a mobile phone ......198
Ending an active call ......................201
Entering a number .........................200
External authorization
(Bluetooth ®
) ................................... 197
Function restrictions ......................194
General notes ................................ 193
Keypad ........................................... 120
Menu (on-board computer) ............382
Number from the phone book ........ 383
Operating options ..........................194
Overview of functions ....................201
Reception and transmission
volume ........................................... 199
Redialing ................................ 200, 383
Rejecting/ending a call .................382
Rejecting a call .............................. 199
Rejecting or accepting a waiting
call ................................................. 201
Safety notes .................................. 193
Sending DTMF tones ...................... 203
Switching hands-free microphone
on/off ............................................ 201
Toggling ......................................... 201
Using the telephone ....................... 199
see Bluetooth ®

see Call lists
Television
see TV
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 372
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 379
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 379
Outside temperature ...................... 373
Setting (climate control) ................294
Setting (COMAND) .........................265
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 75
Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Time
Setting summer/standard time .....144
Setting the format .........................144
Setting the time ............................. 144
Setting the time/date format ........144
Setting the time zone ..................... 144
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 380Index23

Tiredness assistantsee ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....497
Checking manually ........................497
Display message ............................ 415
Maximum ....................................... 496
Notes ............................................. 495
Recommended ............................... 493
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 497
Restarting ...................................... 499
Warning lamp ................................. 429
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................512
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................511
Bar (definition) ............................... 510
Characteristics .............................. 510
Checking ........................................ 491
Definition of terms .........................510
Direction of rotation ......................514
Display message ............................ 415
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................513
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 509
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............510
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 511
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 511
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................511
Important safety notes ..................490
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......511
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........512
Labeling (overview) ........................506
Load bearing index (definition) ......513
Load index ..................................... 509
Load index (definition) ...................512
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 511
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 512Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 512
Maximum tire load .........................504
Maximum tire load (definition) .......512
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 512
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 512
Replacing ....................................... 513
Service life ..................................... 491
Sidewall (definition) .......................512
Speed rating (definition) ................511
Storing ........................................... 514
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 510
Temperature .................................. 506
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 513
Tire bead (definition) ......................512
Tire pressure (definition) ................512
Tire pressures (recommended) ......511
Tire size (data) ............................... 514
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 507
Tire tread ....................................... 491
Tire tread (definition) .....................512
Total load limit (definition) .............513
Traction ......................................... 505
Traction (definition) .......................513
Tread wear ..................................... 505
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 505
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................511
Unladen weight (definition) ............512
Wear indicator (definition) .............513
Wheel rim (definition) ....................511
see Flat tire
Tonal properties
see Sound settings
Top Tether ............................................ 65
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........483
Installing the towing eye ................483
Removing the towing eye ...............484
With the rear axle raised ................484
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......48424Index

Tow-startingEmergency engine starting ............485
Important safety notes ..................483
Track
Selecting (CD, DVD, MP3) .............. 224
Traffic Announcements (TA)
Switching off .................................. 134
Traffic jam function ........................... 171
Traffic jam message see Dynamic route guidance/TMC
Traffic reports
Real-time traffic report ..................177
Switching on/off ........................... 174
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 485
Treble, adjusting (sound) .................. 135
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 468
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 376
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 376
Resetting (on-board computer) ......377
Trunk
Emergency release ....................91, 92
Important safety guidelines .............88
Limiting the opening angle ............. 265
Locking separately ...........................91
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 90
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 90
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 418
Opening/closing .............................. 88
Power closing feature ......................87
Trunk lid opening height
restriction .......................................... 265
Turn signals Display message ............................ 401
Switching on/off ........................... 279
TV
Automatic picture shutoff ..............240
Picture settings .............................. 240Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................87
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 86
USB
see Media Interface
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 438
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 31
Data acquisition ............................... 32
Display message ............................ 417
Equipment ....................................... 28
Individual settings ..........................385
Limited Warranty ............................. 32
Loading .......................................... 500
Locking (in an emergency) ...............88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 79
Lowering ........................................ 477
Maintenance .................................... 29
Parking for a long period ................ 325
Pulling away ................................... 305
Raising ........................................... 474
Reporting problems .........................31
Towing away .................................. 483
Transporting .................................. 485
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........87
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................79
Vehicle data ................................... 530
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 530
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 530
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 88
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 521
Index25

Vehicle levelActive Body Control (ABC) .............345
AIRMATIC ...................................... 343
Display message ............................ 410
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 409
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 472
Video see Video DVD
Video AUX
Setting the picture .........................240
Video DVD
Automatic picture shutoff ..............240
DVD menu ..................................... 244
Fast forward/rewind ...................... 242
Function restrictions ......................241
Interactive content ........................245
Notes on discs ............................... 240
Operation ....................................... 240
Operation using the on-board
computer ....................................... 379
Pause function ............................... 243
Playing conditions .......................... 241
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...254
Safety notes .................................. 240
Selecting ........................................ 242
Selecting a film/title ...................... 243
Selecting a scene/chapter ............243
Setting the audio format ................245
Setting the language ......................245
Setting the picture .........................240
Showing/hiding the control menu . 241
Showing/hiding the menu .............242
Stop function ................................. 243
Subtitles ........................................ 245
Switching to ................................... 241
VIN ...................................................... 521
Voice Control System Settings ......................................... 145
Volume, adjusting
COMAND ....................................... 134
Headphones .................................. 142
Navigation messages .....................134
Using the remote control (Rear
Seat Entertainment System) ..........140W
Waiting call ........................................ 201
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 423
Brakes ........................................... 422
Check Engine ................................. 427
Cruise control ................................ 331
Distance warning ........................... 428
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 428
ESP ®
.............................................. 424
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 425
Fuel tank ........................................ 428
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................335
Overview .......................................... 36
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 50
Reserve fuel ................................... 428
Seat belt ........................................ 420
SRS ................................................ 426
Tire pressure monitor ....................429
Warranty ............................................ 521
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 418
see Windshield washer system
Weather Band
Searching for a channel .................214
Switching on .................................. 214
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 477
Wheel chock ...................................... 474
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 473
Checking ........................................ 491
Cleaning ......................................... 465
Important safety notes ..................490
Interchanging/changing ................513
Mounting a wheel .......................... 476
Removing a wheel ..........................476
Storing ........................................... 514
Tightening torque ........................... 477
Wheel size/tire size .......................514
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 398
Operation ......................................... 49
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 466
see Side windows 26Index

WindshieldDefrosting ...................................... 296
Infrared reflective .......................... 454
Windshield washer system .............. 461
Notes ............................................. 529
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................286
Replacing the wiper blades ............285
Switching on/off ........................... 285
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................492
Slippery road surfaces ...................330
Snow chains .................................. 493
Winter operation
Radiator cover ............................... 457
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 492
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 466
Important safety notes ..................285
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 468Index27

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
28Introduction

Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or change of
ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in
contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
Introduction29

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 fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe through 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.
30Introduction