2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN change time

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notes. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or model designation of your
vehicle may differ according to:
R model
R order
R country variant
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
The equipment in your vehicle may therefore
differ from that shown in the descriptions and
illustrations.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Maintenance Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. If you sell the vehicle, always pass the
documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company2215840096 É2215840096uËÍ

CareCarpets .......................................... 472
Car wash ........................................ 466
Display ........................................... 470
Exterior lights ................................ 469
Gear or selector lever ....................472
Interior ........................................... 470
Matte finish ................................... 468
Night View Assist Plus ...................471
Notes ............................................. 466
Paint .............................................. 468
Plastic trim .................................... 471
Power washer ................................ 467
Rear view camera .......................... 470
Roof lining ...................................... 472
Seat belt ........................................ 472
Seat cover ..................................... 472
Sensors ......................................... 470
Steering wheel ............................... 472
Tail pipes ....................................... 470
Trim pieces .................................... 472
Washing by hand ........................... 467
Wheels ........................................... 468
Windows ........................................ 469
Wiper blades .................................. 469
Wooden trim .................................. 472
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 437
Car pool lanes .................................... 173
Car wash (care) ................................. 466
Category Satellite radio ................................ 222
CD
Copy protection ............................. 234
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............230
General information .......................234
Inserting ........................................ 225
Inserting/loading (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................255
Mode, switching to ........................226
Multisession .................................. 233
Notes on discs ............................... 234
Operating the player/changer
(on-board computer) ......................381
Pause function ............................... 227
Playback options ........................... 232
Player/changer operation
(COMAND) ..................................... 225Removing/ejecting (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................256
Safety notes .................................. 225
Selecting a media type ..................228
Selecting a track ............................ 229
Sound settings (balance, bass,
fader, treble) .................................. 139
Center console ..................................... 41
Central locking Automatic locking feature
(COMAND) ..................................... 269
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........82
Changing batteries (remote
control, headphones) ........................ 251
Changing bulbs High-beam headlamps (vehicles
with halogen daytime running
lamps) ............................................ 288
High-beam headlamps (vehicles
with LED daylight lamps) ...............288
Important safety notes ..................286
Overview of bulb types ..................287
Changing direction
Announcement phase ....................171
Change of direction phase .............171
Preparation phase .........................171
Character bar ..................................... 133
Characters Entering ......................................... 134
Entering (address book, phone
book) ............................................. 136
Entering (navigation) ......................133
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes ....................70
Rear doors ....................................... 71
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 66
Restraint systems ............................ 66
Child seat
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 68
Special seat belt retractor ...............68
Top Tether ....................................... 69
Cigarette lighter ................................ 442
Cleaning Mirror turn signal ........................... 470Index7

Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 342
Warning lamp ................................. 430
Dolby ®
Digital .................................... 140
Doors Automatic locking (switch) ............... 89
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 82
Control panel ................................... 43
Display message ............................ 420
Emergency locking ........................... 91
Emergency unlocking .......................90
Important safety notes ....................88
Opening (from inside) ......................89
Power closing feature ......................90
Drinking and driving ......................... 330
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 318
Manual ........................................... 319
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................466
Symmetrical low beam ..................280
Driving Assistance package ............. 363
Driving lamps see Daytime running lamps
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......73
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 77
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............74
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 74
Electronic brake force distribution ...77
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 75
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 76
Important safety information ...........73
Overview .......................................... 72
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 77Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................367
Active Body Control .......................348
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 366
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............369
AIRMATIC ...................................... 347
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................359
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 363
Cruise control ................................ 334
Display message ............................ 410
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 336
Driving Assistance package ...........363
HOLD function ............................... 346
Lane Keeping Assist ......................365
Night View Assist Plus ...................360
Parking Guidance ........................... 353
PARKTRONIC ................................. 350
Rear view camera .......................... 357
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................317
Brakes ........................................... 331
Break-in period .............................. 306
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 344
Downhill gradient ........................... 331
Drinking and driving .......................330
Driving abroad ............................... 280
Driving in winter ............................. 333
Driving on flooded roads ................333
Driving on wet roads ......................333
Exhaust check ............................... 331
Fuel ................................................ 330
General .......................................... 330
Hydroplaning ................................. 333
Icy road surfaces ........................... 334
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 332
Pedals ............................................ 330
Snow chains .................................. 495
Symmetrical low beam ..................280
Wet road surface ........................... 331
DVD
Changer ......................................... 225
Copy protection ............................. 234
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............230
Handling ........................................ 193
Inserting ........................................ 22510Index

Manual control ............................... 286
Overview ........................................ 285
Reading lamp ................................. 285
Intermediate stop
Deleting ......................................... 166
Entering ......................................... 165
iPod ®
Alphabetical track selection ..........242
Connecting to the Media
Interface ........................................ 238
Selecting a category/playlist .........241
Supported variants ........................238
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 474
Using ............................................. 476
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 483
K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............97
Locking ............................................ 83
Start/Stop button .......................... 307
Starting the engine ........................309
Unlocking ......................................... 83
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 307
SmartKey ....................................... 307
Kickdown
Driving tips .................................... 317
Manual drive program ....................320
L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane-change assistant
see Blind Spot Assist
Lane detection (automatic)
see Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating .................387
Display message ............................ 413
Function/information ....................365
Lap time (RACETIMER) ...................... 382
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 68
Letter bar see Character bar
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 404
Light function, active Display message ............................ 405
Lighting
see Lights
Lights
Automatic headlamp mode ............281
Cornering light function .................284
Display message ............................ 403
Driving abroad ............................... 280
Fog lamps ...................................... 282
Hazard warning lamps ...................283
High beam flasher .......................... 283
High-beam headlamps ...................283
Light switch ................................... 280
Low-beam headlamps ....................281
Rear fog lamp ................................ 282
Standing lamps .............................. 280
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 388
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 387
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................281
Turn signals ................................... 283
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 405
Loading guidelines ............................ 434
Locator lighting setting (COMAND) . 268
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 89
Emergency locking ........................... 91
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 89
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 38814Index

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 going to
print. 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 some of the
descriptions or illustrations.
The original purchase agreement lists all
systems installed in your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you have any questions about equipment or
operation.
The Operator's Manual 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.
Breakdown 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

The SRS components are in operational
readiness if the 6 SRS warning lamp is not
lit while the engine is running.GWARNING
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction if the 6 SRS indicator lamp:
R does not light up at all
R does not go out after approximately four
seconds after the engine is started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving.
For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly
recommends that you have the system
checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. SRS may otherwise
fail to activate when it is needed in the event
of an accident, which could lead to serious or
fatal injuries. SRS might also be activated
unexpectedly and unnecessarily, which could
also result in injury.
In addition, work carried out improperly on
SRS may render SRS inoperative or cause
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
SRS system should only be carried out by
qualified specialist personnel. Consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for details. USA only: for further information
contact our Customer Assistance center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372).
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags
GWARNING
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check your national disposal
guidelines. California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
belt tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. to the:
- padded steering wheel boss
- front-passenger air bag cover
- outer side of front seat bolsters
- side trim next to the rear seat backrest
- roof lining trim
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and otherOccupant safety49SafetyZ

X To unlock the vehicle: pull the door
handle.XTo lock the vehicle: touch sensor
surface :.XConvenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface ; for an
extended period ( Y page 97).
If you pull on the handle of the trunk lid, only
the trunk of the vehicle is unlocked.
If the vehicle has been parked for a long time,
the sensor surfaces are deactivated
automatically. In order to unlock the door,
pull the door handle. In order to reactivate the
sensor surface, switch the ignition on again.
Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the setting of the locking
system in such a way that only the driver's
door and the fuel filler flap are unlocked. This
is useful if you frequently travel on your own.
XTo change the setting: press and hold
down the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately
six seconds until the battery check lamp
flashes twice ( Y page 85).
i
If the setting of the locking system is
changed within the signal range of the
vehicle, pressing the & or % button
locks or unlocks the vehicle.
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
XTo unlock the driver's door: press the
% button once.XTo unlock centrally: press the %
button twice.XTo lock centrally: press the & button.The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as
follows:XTo unlock the driver's door : pull the door
handle on the driver's door.XTo unlock centrally: pull the door handle
on the front-passenger door or on the rear
doors.XTo lock centrally: touch the outer sensor
surface on one of the door handles.
Restoring the factory settings
XPress the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately
six seconds until the battery check lamp
flashes twice.
Mechanical key
General notes
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door or the trunk lid, the
anti-theft alarm system will be triggered
( Y page 79).
There are several ways to turn off the alarm:
XTo turn the alarm off with the
SmartKey: press the % or & button
on the SmartKey.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XTo deactivate the alarm with KEYLESS-
GO: press the Start/Stop button in the
ignition lock. The SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
or
XLock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.84SmartKeyOpening/closing