2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class switching to

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 442
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 346
4MATIC off-road system ................... 346
A
ABC see Active Body Control (ABC)
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 389
Function/notes ................................ 69
Important safety notes ....................69
Warning lamp ................................. 423
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 293
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 385
Function/information ....................364
Active Body Control (ABC)
Display message ............................ 410
Function/notes ............................. 345
Active Driving Assistance package . 363
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 385
Display message ............................ 411
Function/information ....................367
Active Light System
Display message ............................ 403
Active multicontour seat .......... 108, 272
Active service system PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 73
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 344
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 404
Function/notes ............................. 280
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 386
Additional speedometer ................... 386
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 528
Address Entering (example) .........................153
see Address book
Address book
Calling up ....................................... 205
Connecting a call ........................... 208
Creating an entry ........................... 206
Deleting an entry ........................... 207
Entering characters .......................132
Entry as a home address ...............178
Importing contacts ........................204
Introduction ................................... 203
Starting route guidance .................208
Voice tag ....................................... 208
Air bags
Display message ............................ 399
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 48
Important safety notes ....................46
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 50
Safety guidelines ............................. 45
Side impact air bag ..........................48
Window curtain air bag ....................49
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 295
Setting (COMAND) .........................266
Air filter (display message) .............. 408
Airflow Setting ........................................... 295
Setting (COMAND) .........................266
AIRMATIC
Display message ............................ 409
Function/notes ............................. 343
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 299
Important safety notes ..................2984Index

Rear ............................................... 299
Setting ........................................... 298
Setting the center air vents ...........298
Setting the side air vents ...............299
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Alternative route ............................... 171
Ambient light setting (COMAND) ..... 263
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 379
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........75
Ashtray ............................................... 440
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 383
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................75
Function ........................................... 75
Switching off the alarm ....................75
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................384
Display message ............................ 408
Function/notes ............................. 356
Audio
Radio mode ................................... 211
Audio database
see MUSIC REGISTER
Audio DVD
Mode, switching to ........................221
Pause function ............................... 223
Playback options ........................... 228
Safety notes .................................. 220
Setting the audio format ................227
Stop function ................................. 223
Audio format, setting
Audio DVD ..................................... 227
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...258
Video DVD ..................................... 245
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 378Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 403
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 307
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 307
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 277
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............314
Changing gear ............................... 313
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................310
Display message ............................ 417
Driving tips .................................... 313
Emergency running mode ..............317
Kickdown ....................................... 313
Manual drive program ....................316
Problem (malfunction) ...................317
Program selector button ................314
Pulling away ................................... 305
Shift ranges ................................... 315
Starting the engine ........................305
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......314
Transmission position display ........312
Transmission positions ..................312
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 317
Autostore ........................................... 213
see Station memory (radio)
AUX (audio)
Notes/socket ................................ 239
Switching to ................................... 239
AUX (video)
Setting the picture .........................240
Setting the volume and sound .......246
Showing/hiding the menu .............246
Switching to ................................... 246
B
Back button ....................................... 119
Back support see Lumbar support
Bag hook ............................................ 435
Balance, adjusting ............................. 135
Bang & Olufsen sound system ......... 137
Index5

Carsee Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 469
Car wash ........................................ 463
Display ........................................... 467
Exterior lights ................................ 466
Gear or selector lever ....................468
Matte finish ................................... 465
Night View Assist Plus ...................467
Notes ............................................. 463
Paint .............................................. 465
Plastic trim .................................... 468
Power washer ................................ 464
Rear view camera .......................... 467
Roof lining ...................................... 469
Seat belt ........................................ 469
Seat cover ..................................... 469
Sensors ......................................... 467
Steering wheel ............................... 468
Tail pipes ....................................... 467
Trim pieces .................................... 468
Washing by hand ........................... 464
Wheels ........................................... 465
Windows ........................................ 466
Wiper blades .................................. 466
Wooden trim .................................. 468
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 435
Car pool lanes .................................... 169
Car wash (care) ................................. 463
Category Satellite radio ................................ 218
CD
Copy protection ............................. 229
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............225
General information .......................229
Inserting ........................................ 220
Inserting/loading (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................251
Mode, switching to ........................221
Multisession .................................. 228
Notes on discs ............................... 229
Operating the player/changer
(on-board computer) ......................379
Pause function ............................... 223
Playback options ........................... 228
Player/changer operation
(COMAND) ..................................... 220Removing/ejecting (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................251
Safety notes .................................. 220
Selecting a media type ..................224
Selecting a track ............................ 224
Sound settings (balance, bass,
fader, treble) .................................. 135
Cell phone
see Mobile phone
Center console ..................................... 38
Central locking Automatic locking feature
(COMAND) ..................................... 264
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........78
Changing batteries (remote
control, headphones) ........................ 247
Changing bulbs High-beam headlamps (vehicles
with halogen daytime running
lamps) ............................................ 284
High-beam headlamps (vehicles
with LED daylight lamps) ...............284
Important safety notes ..................282
Overview of bulb types ..................283
Changing direction
Announcement phase ....................166
Change of direction phase .............167
Preparation phase .........................166
Character bar ..................................... 129
Characters Entering ......................................... 130
Entering (address book, phone
book) ............................................. 132
Entering (navigation) ......................129
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes ....................66
Rear doors ....................................... 67
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 62
Restraint systems ............................ 62
Child seat
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 65
Special seat belt retractor ...............64
Top Tether ....................................... 65
Cigarette lighter ................................ 440Index7

Climate controlAutomatic climate control .............291
COMAND ....................................... 265
Controlling automatically ...............293
Controlling centrally (COMAND) ....267
Cooling with air dehumidification ..293
Cooling with air dehumidification
(COMAND) ..................................... 267
Defrosting the windows .................296
Defrosting the windshield ..............296
Important safety notes ..................290
Indicator lamp ................................ 293
Main menu ..................................... 266
Maximum cooling .......................... 296
Overview of systems ......................290
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 293
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 297
Rear compartment (COMAND) ......268
Rear control panel .........................291
Refrigerant ..................................... 528
Setting the air distribution .............295
Setting the airflow .........................295
Setting the airflow (COMAND) .......268
Setting the air vents ......................298
Setting the footwell temperature
(COMAND) ..................................... 268
Setting the temperature ................294
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 297
Switching on/off ........................... 292
Switching residual heat on/off ......298
Switching the rear window
heating on/off ............................... 297
Coat hooks ......................................... 434
Cockpit Overview .......................................... 34
see Instrument cluster
Color, setting (TV, video) .................. 240
COMAND At a glance (overview) .................... 118
Back button ................................... 119
Basic functions .............................. 133
Components .................................. 118
Display ........................................... 121
Example of operation .....................128
Function buttons ........................... 119Menu overview .............................. 121
Remote control .............................. 125
Switching on/off ........................... 133
System settings ............................. 143
COMAND controller ........................... 118
COMAND display Cleaning instructions .....................125
Folding in and swiveling .................124
Setting ........................................... 143
COMAND operating system .............. 118
Combination switch .......................... 279
Compass function ............................. 188
Conference connection ..................... 201
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 376
Contrast, setting (TV, video) ............ 240
Convenience closing feature .............. 94
Convenience opening feature ............ 93
Convenience telephone Importing contacts ........................204
Convenience telephony .................... 193
Introduction ................................... 193
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level .........................460
Display message ............................ 404
Notes ............................................. 529
Temperature (on-board computer) . 379
Temperature gauge ........................ 372
Cooling
see Climate control
Copy protection (CD/DVD) ............... 229
Cornering light function Display message ............................ 401
Function/notes ............................. 280
Cruise control
Cruise control lever .......................331
Deactivating ................................... 332
Display message ............................ 415
Driving system ............................... 330
Function/notes ............................. 330
Important safety notes ..................330
LIM indicator lamp .........................331
Setting a speed .............................. 332
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 3318Index

Cup holderCenter console .............................. 437
Important safety notes ..................437
Rear compartment .........................437
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 31
Customer Relations Department ....... 31
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Data carrier
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 230
Data medium
Audio DVD ..................................... 228
CD/DVD ........................................ 229
MP3 ............................................... 228
Date format, setting .......................... 144
Day design, setting ........................... 143
Daytime running lamp mode see Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 403
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 385
Switching on/off (switch) ..............277
DEF
Adding ........................................... 321
Display message ............................ 408
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (COMAND) ...........263
Interior lighting (COMAND) ............263
Destination (navigation)
Displaying information ...................172
Entering a destination by address .. 153
Entering a destination using the
map ............................................... 160
Entering an intermediate stop .......161
Entering a point of interest ............162
Saving ............................................ 179
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 159
Selecting from the list of last
destinations ................................... 159
Destination memory (navigation)
Deleting an entry ........................... 181
Entering/saving your home
address .......................................... 156
Previous destinations ....................181
Dialing a number (telephone) ........... 200
Digital speedometer ......................... 376
Digital TV see TV
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display
Selecting the design ......................143
Settings ......................................... 143
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 467
Displaying the arrival time ............... 172
Displaying the distance to the
destination ......................................... 172
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....388
Driving systems ............................. 408
Engine ............................................ 404
General notes ................................ 388
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........388
Lights ............................................. 401
Safety systems .............................. 389
Service interval display ..................462
SmartKey ....................................... 419
Tires ............................................... 415
Vehicle ........................................... 417
Distance
see Navigation, route overview
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 383
Distance recorder ............................. 376
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 428
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 340
Display message ............................ 413
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 339
Driving tips .................................... 340
Function/notes ............................. 332
Important safety notes ..................332Index9

Removing/ejecting (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................251
Selecting a media type ..................224
Selecting a track ............................ 224
Sound settings (balance, bass,
fader, treble) .................................. 135
DVD audio
Operation using the on-board
computer ....................................... 379
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating (COMAND) ....................262
Function/notes ............................. 110
EASY-EXIT feature
Activating (COMAND) ....................262
Crash-responsive ........................... 111
Function/notes ............................. 110
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 392
Function/notes ................................ 73
ECO function ...................................... 261
ECO start/stop function Deactivating/activating .................307
General information .......................306
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 87
Trunk ......................................... 91, 92
Vehicle ............................................. 87
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 472
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 61
Safety guidelines ............................. 45
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....28
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 427
Display message ............................ 404
ECO start/stop function ................306
Emergency starting ........................485
Engine number ............................... 522
Irregular running ............................ 309
Starting problems ..........................309
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 305
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............305
Switching off .................................. 323
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................309
Engine emergency stop .................... 487
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 459
Additives ........................................ 528
Checking the oil level ..................... 457
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 458
Checking the oil level using the
on-board computer ........................458
Display message ............................ 406
Filling capacity ............................... 524
Notes about oil grades ................... 527
Notes on oil level/consumption ....457
Temperature (on-board computer) . 379
Viscosity ........................................ 528
Entering the frequency ..................... 212
Entry Deleting ......................................... 131
Saving ............................................ 133
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Deactivating/activating .................384
Deactivating/activating (notes) .......72
Display message ............................ 389
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 72
Function/notes ................................ 71
Important safety information ...........71
Warning lamp ................................. 424
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 72
Exhaust check ................................... 327
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 467Index11

Exterior lightingsee Exterior lighting
Exterior mirror parking position
Adjusting (COMAND) .....................262
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 111
Dipping (automatic) .......................112
Folding in/out (automatically) .......112
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........112
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...112
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 113
Storing the parking position ..........113
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 433
F
Factory setting (reset function) ....... 150
Fader, setting .................................... 135
Fast forward Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........225
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...255
Video DVD ..................................... 242
Fast rewind
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........225
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...255
Video DVD ..................................... 242
Favorites (COMAND) ......................... 120
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap
First-aid kit ......................................... 472
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 473
MOExtended run-flat system .........477
Preparing the vehicle .....................473
Raising the vehicle .........................474
Floormat ............................................. 453
Freeway information ......................... 187
Front fog lamps ................................. 278
Display message ............................ 402
Switching on/off ........................... 278
Front-passenger seat
Adjusting from the driver's seat ..... 105
Adjusting from the rear
compartment ................................. 105
Front windshield
see Windshield
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 526
Displaying the current
consumption .................................. 376
Displaying the range ......................376
Driving tips .................................... 326
Fuel gauge ....................................... 35
Important safety notes ..................525
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 525
Problem (malfunction) ...................320
Refueling ........................................ 317
Specifications ................................ 525
Tank content/reserve fuel .............524
Fuel filler flap, opening/closing ....... 319
Fuel filter (display message) ............ 408
Fuel level Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 376
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 524
Problem (malfunction) ...................320
Function buttons (COMAND) ............ 119
Fuses Allocation chart ............................. 486
Before changing ............................. 486
Dashboard fuse box .......................486
Engine emergency stop .................487
Fuse box in the engine
compartment ................................. 487
Fuse box in the rear compartment . 486
Important safety notes ..................485
G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................453
Notes ............................................. 450
Opening/closing the garage door ..453
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 451
Gasoline ............................................. 318
Gear indicator (on-board
computer) .......................................... 379
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 468
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 520
Glove box ........................................... 432
GPS reception .................................... 151
12Index

Gracenote Media Database .............. 226
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Harman/kardon ®
Logic 7 ®
surround sound system see Surround sound (harman/
kardon ®
surround sound system)
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 279
HD Radio™ ......................................... 215
Heading up (navigation) ................... 184
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 529
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....461
Cleaning system (function) ............278
Fogging up ..................................... 281
see Automatic headlamp mode
Headphones
Changing batteries ........................247
Function overview ..........................142
Indicator lamp ................................ 143
Selecting a screen .........................142
Switching on/off ........................... 142
Head restraints
Adjusting ....................................... 106
Adjusting (electrically) ...................106
Adjusting (rear) .............................. 107
NECK-PRO ..................................... 106
NECK-PRO luxury ........................... 106
see NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs (vehicles with
halogen daytime running lamps) ....284
Changing bulbs (vehicles with LED
daylight lamps) .............................. 284
Display message ............................ 402
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 280
Switching on/off ........................... 279
Hill start assist .................................. 306
HOLD function
Display message ............................ 411
Function/notes ............................. 342
Home
see Home address
Home address
Entering and saving .......................156
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 159
Hood
Closing ........................................... 457
Display message ............................ 418
Opening ......................................... 456
Hydroplaning ..................................... 329
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 75
Incident (traffic report) ..................... 174
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Insect protection on the radiator .... 457
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 35
Warning and indicator lamps ...........36
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Interface (USB, iPod ®
)
see Media Interface
Interior lighting
Ambient light (COMAND) ...............263
Automatic control ..........................282
Interior lighting .............................. 263
Manual control ............................... 282
Overview ........................................ 281
Reading lamp ................................. 281
see Interior lighting
Intermediate stop
Deleting ......................................... 162
Entering ......................................... 161
iPod ®
Alphabetical track selection ..........237
Connecting to the Media
Interface ........................................ 234
Index13