2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN battery

Information about new versions of map
software can be obtained from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
You can have your map software updated
there with a DVD, or you can update it
yourself.
Updating processGWARNING
Never leave the engine running in enclosed
spaces. The exhaust gases contain toxic
carbon monoxide. Breathing in exhaust fumes
is a health hazard and can lead to
unconsciousness or death.
The update process can take a long time (over
an hour), depending on the size of the digital
map. During this time, you will only be able to
switch on radio mode and to accept incoming
calls. The update will be completed more
quickly if the vehicle is stationary.
If the starter battery is not sufficiently
charged, COMAND may end the process
automatically. This protects the battery. If
this occurs, restart the update with the
engine running.
Displaying information on the map
version currently in use
XTo activate navigation mode: press the
S function button once or twice.XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding VÆ and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Map version and press W to
confirm.
Notes on handling DVDs
R Only hold DVDs by the edge.
R Handle DVDs carefully to prevent reading
errors.
R Avoid getting scratches, fingerprints and
dust on DVDs.
R Use a commercially-available cleaning
cloth to clean discs. When cleaning CDs,
you should wipe in straight lines from the
center outwards rather than in a circular
motion.
R Place DVDs back in their cases after use.
R Protect DVDs from heat and direct sunlight.
Map software copy protection
Map software for COMAND is subject to a
charge. The map software has just one
activation code which is usable in one vehicle
only, and is not transferable. You can obtain
the six-digit activation code from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. If you
have lost the activation code, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. If
COMAND does not accept the activation
code that you have received, also contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Your vehicle is supplied with map software at
the factory. Depending on the country, map
software for your region is either pre-installed
or the map software is supplied as a DVD. You
do not require an activation code for the map
software that is provided with your vehicle.
If the map software on your vehicle has been
installed at the factory and you wish to
reinstall it, this also does not necessitate
entry of the activation code.
Installation processXLoad the map software DVD in the DVD
drive ( Y page 225).
COMAND checks the DVD and shows a
corresponding message in the display.
Map software is not compatible with the
navigation system
You will see a message that the map software
cannot be installed.
XTo confirm the message: press W.
COMAND ejects the DVD.XTake the DVD out of the slot.XInsert a DVD which is compatible with the
vehicle’s navigation system.Navigation193COMANDZ

Ra valid and operational SIM card must be
inserted in the mobile phone.
R the mobile phone is connected to COMAND
via Bluetooth ®
.
If you cannot make an emergency call, you
must arrange rescue measures yourself.XEnter numbers using the number keypad
( Y page 204).XPress the 6 button.
The telephone makes the connection.XWait for the emergency call center to
respond and then describe the emergency.
i If no SIM card has been inserted in a GSM
phone or if there is no service available for
a CDMA phone, the NO SERVICE message
appears in COMAND. In this case, an
emergency call can only be transmitted via
the mobile phone itself and not via
COMAND.
Telephony via the Bluetooth ®
interface
Conditions
On the mobile phone
For telephony via COMAND's Bluetooth ®
interface, a Bluetooth ®
-capable mobile
phone is required.
i Not all mobile phones available on the
market are equally suitable. More detailed
information on suitable mobile phones and
on connecting Bluetooth ®
-capable mobile
phones with COMAND can be found on the
Internet at
http://www.mbusa-mobile.com . Or call
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center on
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(for the USA) or Customer Relations on
1-800-387-0100 (for Canada).
The battery of the mobile phone should
always be kept sufficiently charged in order
to prevent malfunctions.
In preparation for telephoning via the
Bluetooth ®
interface, you should check the
following items on your mobile phone (see the
mobile phone operating instructions):XHands-Free Profile
The mobile phone must support Hands-
Free Profile 1.0 or above.
i Certain displays and functions (e.g. signal
strength display, conference connection)
are available, depending on the supported
version of the Hands-Free Profile.
XBluetooth ®
visibility
On certain mobile phones, the device itself
must be made "visible" for other devices,
as well as activating the Bluetooth ®
function (see the mobile phone operating
instructions).XBluetooth ®
device name
Every Bluetooth ®
device has its own
Bluetooth ®
device name. This device name
is freely definable, but can be identical for
all devices from the same manufacturer. It
is therefore recommended that you change
this name so that you can easily recognize
your mobile phone (see the mobile phone
operating instructions).XSwitch on the mobile phone and enter the
PIN when prompted to do so (see the
mobile phone operating instructions).XActivate Bluetooth ®
functions and, where
necessary, Bluetooth ®
visibility on the
mobile phone (see the mobile phone
operating instructions).
In COMAND
XActivate the Bluetooth ®
function in
COMAND ( Y page 151).
Connecting a mobile phone
General information
Before using your mobile phone with
COMAND for the first time, you will need to
connect it.
Telephone199COMANDZ

gradually. This enables you to determine
whether the system is able to play the
music at high volume without distorting it.
Rear Seat Entertainment System
General information
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The RSE CD/DVD player is a Class 1 laser
product. There is a danger of invisible laser
radiation when you open or damage the cover.
Do not remove the cover. The RSE CD/DVD
player does not contain any parts which can
be serviced by the user. For safety reasons,
have any necessary service work performed
by qualified personnel.
GWARNING
The driver should not wear a Rear Seat
Entertainment headset while operating the
vehicle under any circumstances. The use of
a headset while driving the vehicle could
drastically impair the ability to react to audible
traffic conditions (e.g. emergency sirens from
police/fire/ambulance, another car's horn,
etc.).
GWARNING
When not in use, headsets or external video
sources should be stored in a safe location
(e.g. one of the vehicle's storage
compartments) so that they are not loose
within the passenger compartment during
braking, vehicle maneuvers or a traffic
accident. Objects moving within the
passenger compartment could cause serious
personal injury to vehicle occupants.
GWARNING
Due to a potential choking hazard, wired
headset usage by children should only occur
with adult supervision.
Changing batteries
Batteries are required for the remote control
and for the two sets of cordless headphones.
GWARNING
Keep the batteries out of the reach of
children. Consult a doctor immediately if a
child should swallow a battery.
Do not dismantle, short-circuit or burn a
battery.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of discharged batteries in an
environmentally responsible manner.
On the remote control
:Battery tray;Catch tab=Battery tray cover?Retaining lugsABatteries
The remote control contains 2 type AAA,
1.5 V batteries.
XTo open the battery compartment:
remove battery compartment cover = on
the back of the remote control.XTo do so, press down retaining lug ; and
take off battery tray cover =.Rear Seat Entertainment System251COMANDZ

XRemove discharged batteries A from the
tray.XInsert the new batteries. Observe the
polarity markings on the batteries and
battery tray when doing so.
Left-hand battery: the positive pole (+)
must face upwards.
Right-hand battery: the positive pole (+)
must face downwards.XTo close the battery compartment:
insert battery compartment cover =
starting with retaining lugs ? into the
battery compartment and allow catch
tab ; to engage in place.
On the cordless headphones
The battery compartment cover is located on
the left headphone.
:Battery tray cover
The wireless headphones contain 2 type AAA,
1.5 V batteries.
XTo open the battery compartment: flip
battery compartment cover : upwards.
As you do so, hold the left-hand side of the
headphones as shown to prevent the
batteries from falling out.XRemove the discharged batteries from the
tray.XInsert the new batteries. Observe the
polarity markings on the batteries and
battery tray when doing so.
Left-hand battery: The positive pole (+)
must face upwards.Right-hand battery The positive pole (+)
must face downwards.XTo close the battery compartment:
press battery compartment cover
downwards until it engages into place.
If the batteries have been inserted
correctly, the indicator lamp will light up
green when the headphones are switched
on.
Basic functions
Using headphones
i Vehicles intended for sale in the USA are
equipped with cordless headphones.
Corded headphones are available for the
Canadian and other markets.
You can use the cordless headphones
supplied and/or up to two sets of corded
headphones connected to the corresponding
jack of the rear-compartment screens
( Y page 144).
You will find information on the following
topics in the "Cordless headphones" section
( Y page 146).
R Switching the cordless headphones on/off
R Adjusting the volume of the headphones
R Selecting a screen for the headphones
Using the main loudspeakers
This function is available in conjunction with
COMAND.
You can use the vehicle loudspeakers to
listen to a disc inserted in the rear-
compartment drive. To do so, at least one of
the rear-compartment screens must be set to
disc mode.
252Rear Seat Entertainment SystemCOMAND

Useful information
i 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.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 31).
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
Information about driving abroad
To convert to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road from the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries.
To convert to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border and
returning to the original country.
Light switch
Operation
Depending on the date of manufacture of your
vehicle, the c or à symbol for the
automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps is located on the light switch.
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3$Lights off/daytime running lamps4cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting6 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps7NFront fog lamps 118
RRear fog lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 283).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
11 Only vehicles with Bi-Xenon headlamps without the Intelligent Light System are equipped with front fog lamps.280Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:Reading lamp;Press p consecutively:to switch the reading lamp and interior
lighting onto switch only the reading lamp onto switch the reading lamp off=Interior lighting
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
The OFF indicator lamp shows whether the
automatic interior lighting control is
deactivated (indicator lamp on) or
activated (indicator lamp off).
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using COMAND ( Y page 267).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the u button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
GDANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change the Xenon bulbs yourself, but
have them replaced at a qualified workshop.
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 287). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
286Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

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. Otherwise, the
rear window defroster 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
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.Operating the climate control systems301Climate controlZ

iAir-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes at
outside temperatures above
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
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, right302Setting the air ventsClimate control