2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN service indicator

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 444
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 350
4MATIC off-road system ................... 350
A
ABC see Active Body Control (ABC)
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 391
Function/notes ................................ 73
Important safety notes ....................73
Warning lamp ................................. 425
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 297
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 387
Function/information ....................367
Active Body Control (ABC)
Display message ............................ 412
Function/notes ............................. 348
Active Driving Assistance package . 366
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 387
Display message ............................ 413
Function/information ....................369
Active multicontour seat .......... 112, 276
Active service system PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 77
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 348
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 406
Function/notes ............................. 284
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 388
Additional speedometer ................... 388
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 529
Address Entering (example) .........................157
see Address book
Address book
Calling up ....................................... 209
Connecting a call ........................... 212
Creating an entry ........................... 210
Deleting an entry ........................... 211
Entering characters .......................136
Entry as a home address ...............182
Importing contacts ........................208
Introduction ................................... 207
Starting route guidance .................212
Voice tag ....................................... 213
Air bags
Display message ............................ 401
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 52
Important safety notes ....................50
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 54
Safety guidelines ............................. 49
Side impact air bag ..........................52
Window curtain air bag ....................53
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 299
Setting (COMAND) .........................270
Air filter (display message) .............. 409
Airflow Setting ........................................... 299
Setting (COMAND) .........................271
AIRMATIC
Display message ............................ 411
Function/notes ............................. 347
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 303
Important safety notes ..................302
Rear ............................................... 303
Setting ........................................... 302
Setting the center air vents ...........302
Setting the side air vents ...............303
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) 4Index

Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing ............................ 100
Problem (malfunction) ...................103
Resetting ....................................... 102
Panorama sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................98
Parcel net ........................................... 437
Parking ............................................... 327
Important safety notes ..................327
Parking brake ................................ 328
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 117
Rear view camera .......................... 357
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Parking Guidance ........................... 353
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 394
Electric parking brake ....................328
Parking Guidance
Display message ............................ 414
Important safety notes ..................353
Parking position
Exterior mirrors (COMAND) ...........266
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating .................352
Driving system ............................... 350
Function/notes ............................. 350
Problem (malfunction) ...................353
Range of the sensors .....................351
Warning display ............................. 351
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp ...................................................... 54
Pause function Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........227
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...260
Video DVD ..................................... 247
Pedals ................................................. 330
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC (permanent four-
wheel drive)
Phone book
Calling up ....................................... 209
Creating an entry ........................... 210
Deleting an entry ........................... 211Entering characters .......................136
Introduction ................................... 207
Picture settings (TV, video) .............. 244
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 471
Playback options Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........232
POI (navigation)
Entering ......................................... 166
Entering a point of interest using
the map ......................................... 170
List ................................................. 168
ZAGAT ®
survey service ..................169
Point of interest (navigation)
Assigning a category ...................... 167
Power closing feature ......................... 90
Power washers .................................. 467
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive occupant
safety system) Display message ............................ 398
Operation ......................................... 59
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
Activating/deactivating .................386
Display message ............................ 399
Function/notes ................................ 77
Warning lamp ................................. 430
Preventive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive
occupant safety system)
Previous destinations (navigation) .. 185
Product information ............................ 28
Programmable button ....................... 124
Program selector button .................. 317
Pulling away (automatic
transmission) ..................................... 309
PULSE see Massage function (PULSE)
Q
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 31
18Index

iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the mbrace (USA only) or TELE
AID (Canada only) emergency call system
initiates a call to the Customer Assistance
Center automatically. The emergency call
system initiates the call provided that:
R you have subscribed to the mbrace/
TELE AID service.
R the mbrace/TELE AID service has been
activated properly.
R the required mobile phone, power supply
and GPS are available.XTo arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp : flashes. The alarm
system is armed after approximately
30 seconds.XTo disarm: unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO.XTo stop the alarm using the SmartKey:
insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the % or & button on the
SmartKey.
The alarm is switched off.XTo stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The
SmartKey must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button on the
dashboard. The SmartKey must be inside
the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.80Theft deterrent locking systemSafety

Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode
Important safety notesGWARNING
COMAND is classified as a Class 1 laser
product. You must not open the casing. If you
open the casing, or if the casing is faulty or
damaged, there is a risk of exposure to
invisible laser radiation. This may damage
your eyes, or those of others.
COMAND does not contain any parts that can
be serviced by the user. For safety reasons,
all maintenance work must be carried out by
qualified aftersales technicians.
GWARNING
Only when the vehicle is stationary should
you:
R load a disc
R eject a disc
There is a risk of being distracted from the
road and traffic conditions if this is done while
the vehicle is in motion.
Inserting/ejecting CDs/DVDs
DVD changer
The DVD changer has a fixed magazine with
six trays.
Magazine tray status =:
R Indicator lamp off: magazine tray is empty.
R Indicator lamp constantly lit: magazine tray
is loaded.
XTo load a single magazine tray: press
respective button =.XRemove any CD/DVD which may be in
slot :.XWait until the indicator lamp for button =
which has been pressed flashes quickly.XInsert the CD/DVD to be loaded into
slot :.
If the CD/DVD has been inserted properly
and it is a permissible type, the last CD/
DVD loaded will be played.XTo load all six magazine trays: press
button ;.
The DVD changer checks the load status of
all magazine trays and switches to the first
empty tray.XWait until the indicator lamp for the
respective button flashes quickly.XInsert a disc into slot :.
The DVD changer switches to the next
empty magazine tray.XRepeat the last two steps until all trays are
loaded.
If the CD/DVD has been inserted properly
and it is a permissible type, the last CD/
DVD loaded will be played.
i If you remove one disc while playing
another disc, the DVD changer interrupts
playback. Playback continues once the disc
has been removed.
XTo remove a disc: press respective button
= .XRemove the CD/DVD from slot :.
If the CD/DVD is not removed from
slot :, it will be automatically drawn in
again after a short while.XTo remove all discs: press button ?.
The DVD changer ejects the CD/DVD from
the tray currently in use.Audio225COMANDZ

DEF (BlueTEC vehicles only)
Important notes on use
To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment must be operated with the
reducing agent DEF. Adding DEF is one of the
tasks performed during maintenance. Under
normal operating conditions, a tank of DEF
lasts until the next service due date.
When the DEF level is too low, the Check
Additive See Operator's Manual
message is shown in the multifunction
display.
When the DEF supply sinks to a minimum
level, the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display.
When the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display, you can
start the engine 16 more times. If DEF is not
added, it will then not be possible to restart
the engine. Fill the DEF tank with about 1 gal
(3.8l) of DEF or have the DEF tank refilled at
a qualified specialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when filling
between maintenance intervals. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center with any
questions or, if necessary, contact Roadside
Assistance ( Y page 29).
If the outside temperature is lower than 12 ‡
( Ò 11†) , damage may occur when adding DEF.
If DEF is frozen and there is an active warning
indicator, adding may not be possible. Park
the vehicle in a warmer place, e.g. in a garage,
until DEF has become fluid again. It will then
be possible to add DEF again. Alternatively,
have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Adding DEFGWARNING
Make sure
R DEF does not come into contact with skin,
eyes, or clothing
R to keep DEF out of the reach of children
If you and/or others have come into contact
with DEF:
R If DEF has gotten into contact with eyes,
flush with plenty of water immediately and
seek medical help.
R Clean affected skin immediately with plenty
of water.
R If DEF was swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Consult a physician.
GWARNING
If you open the DEF tank cap, small amounts
of ammonia vapor may be released. This
depends in particular upon the age of the DEF.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to:
R skin
R mucous membranes
R eyes
You may experience a burning sensation in
your eyes, nose and throat, as well as
coughing and watering of the eyes.
Do not inhale any ammonia vapors that may
be released. Fill the DEF tank only in well-
ventilated areas.
! Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with
DEF, and do not dilute DEF with water. This
may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment system.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with DEF immediately with water or
remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold
water. If the DEF has already crystallized,
use a sponge and cold water to clean it. DEF
Refueling325Driving and parkingZ

115 V socket : provides an alternating
voltage of 115 V, so that small electronic
devices can be connected. These devices,
such as game consoles, chargers and
laptops, together should not consume more
than a maximum of 150 W.
Requirements for operation of these devices:
R the plug of the electronic device must be
inserted fully into 115 V power socket :.
R the maximum wattage of the device to be
connected must not exceed 150 W.
R the on-board power supply is within a
permissible voltage range.
R the 12 V socket in the trunk is operational
( Y page 443).XOpen flap =.XInsert the plug of the electronic device into
115 V power socket :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up.
If indicator lamp ; does not light up,
consult the section on malfunctions.XTo turn off: disconnect the plug from
115 V power socket :.
Ensure that you do not pull on the cord.
Possible causes of malfunction:
R the on-board power supply is not within a
permissible voltage range.
R the temperature of the DC/AC converter is
temporarily too high.
R some small electronic devices have a
constant nominal power of less than
150 W, but a very high inrush current.
These devices will not work. If you connect
such a device, 115 V power socket : will
not supply it with power.
If indicator lamp ; still does not light up,
contact a specialist workshop.
mbrace
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Ensure that
your system is activated and ready for use,
and press the E MB Info call button to
register. If any of the steps mentioned is
not carried out, the system may not be
activated.
If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
assistance services:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
Shortly after successfully registering with the
mbrace service, a user ID and password will
be sent to you by mail. You can use this
password to log in to the mbrace section
under "Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 22
.
The mbrace system is available if:
R it has been activated and is operational.
R the corresponding mobile phone network
is available for transmitting data to the
Customer Center.
R a service subscription is available.
R the starter battery is sufficiently charged.
i Determining the location of the vehicle on
a map is only possible if there is sufficient
GPS reception and the vehicle position can
be forwarded to the Customer Center.
The mbrace system
The mbrace system provides different
services, e.g.:
R automatic and manual emergency call
R Roadside Assistance call
R MB Info call
22USA only.Features445Stowage and featuresZ

To adjust the volume during an mbrace call,
proceed as follows:XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XUse the H volume controller of
COMAND ( Y page 123).
You can find further information and a
description of all available features under
"Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 23
.
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
GWARNING
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if one of the following conditions
occurs:
R the indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not light up during the system self-
diagnosis.
R the indicator lamp in the º Roadside
Assistance button does not light up during
the system self-diagnosis.
R the indicator lamp in the E information
button does not light up during the system
self-diagnosis.
R the indicator lamp in the SOS button,
º Roadside Assistance button or E
information button continues to be lit red
after the system self-diagnosis.
R the Tele Aid inoperative or Tele Aid
not activated message appears on the
multifunction display after the system self-
diagnosis.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above,
the system may not operate as expected. In
the event of an emergency, assistance must
be summoned by other means.
Have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or contact
the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center at
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
Emergency call
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Ensure that
your system is activated and ready for use,
and press the E MB Info call button to
register. If any of the steps mentioned is
not carried out, the system may not be
activated.
If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
assistance services:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
An emergency call is dialed automatically if
an air bag or Emergency Tensioning Device is
triggered.
i An mbrace emergency call that has been
initiated automatically cannot be
terminated by the customer.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually.
As soon as the emergency call has been
initiated, the indicator lamp in the SOS button
flashes. The Connecting Call message
appears on the multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the Emergency
Call Activated message. The audio output
is muted.
23 USA only.446FeaturesStowage and features

XPress and hold Roadside Assistance
button : for more than two seconds.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center. The indicator
lamp in Roadside Assistance button :
flashes while the call is active. The
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display and the COMAND
display. The audio output is muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display and in the COMAND
display.
If a cellular phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
i The multifunction display and COMAND
display show that an mbrace call is active.
You can change to the navigation menu by
pressing the S button during the call,
for example.
Voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.
XDescribe the type of assistance needed.
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes-
Benz technician or organizes for your vehicle
to be transported to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You may be charged
for services such as repair work and/or
towing. Further details are available in your
mbrace manual.
i The mbrace system failed to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call if:
R the indicator lamp in Roadside
Assistance button : is flashing
continuously.
R no voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established.
This may be because the corresponding
mobile phone network is not available.
The Call Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the Call
could not be connected! message.
Press W to confirm the message.XTo end a call: press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the COMAND telephone
keypad.
MB Info call button
XOpen the stowage compartment under the
armrest ( Y page 435).XPress and hold MB Info call button : for
more than two seconds.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center. The indicator
lamp in MB Info call button : flashes while448FeaturesStowage and features