2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN steering

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 28At a glance ........................................... 35Safety ................................................... 47Opening/closing ................................. 81Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ..105COMAND ............................................ 119Lights and windshield wipers ..........279Climate control ................................. 293Driving and parking ..........................305On-board computer and displays ....373Stowage and features ......................433Maintenance and care ......................457Breakdown assistance .....................473Wheels and tires ............................... 491Technical data ................................... 521
Contents3

Alertness Assistantsee ATTENTION ASSIST
Alternative route ............................... 175
Ambient light setting (COMAND) ..... 268
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 381
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 442
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 385
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................79
Function ........................................... 79
Switching off the alarm ....................79
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................386
Display message ............................ 410
Function/notes ............................. 359
Audio
Radio mode ................................... 215
Audio database
see MUSIC REGISTER
Audio DVD
Mode, switching to ........................226
Pause function ............................... 227
Playback options ........................... 232
Safety notes .................................. 225
Setting the audio format ................232
Stop function ................................. 228
Audio format, setting
Audio DVD ..................................... 232
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...262
Video DVD ..................................... 249
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 380
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 405
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 311
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 311Automatic headlamp mode .............. 281
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............318
Changing gear ............................... 317
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................314
Display message ............................ 419
Drive position (ECO start/stop
function) ........................................ 315
Driving tips .................................... 317
Emergency running mode ..............321
Engaging drive position .................. 315
Engaging neutral ............................ 315
Engaging reverse gear ...................314
Engaging the park position ............314
Kickdown ....................................... 317
Manual drive program ....................319
Neutral (ECO start/stop function) . 315
Problem (malfunction) ...................321
Program selector button ................317
Pulling away ................................... 309
Shift ranges ................................... 318
Starting the engine ........................309
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......318
Transmission position display ........315
Transmission positions ..................316
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 321
Autostore ........................................... 217
see Station memory (radio)
AUX (audio)
Notes/socket ................................ 243
Switching to ................................... 244
AUX (video)
Setting the picture .........................244
Setting the volume and sound .......250
Showing/hiding the menu .............250
Switching to ................................... 250
B
Back button ....................................... 123
Back support see Lumbar support
Bag hook ............................................ 437
Balance, adjusting ............................. 139
Bang & Olufsen sound system ......... 141
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 74
Index5

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

Microphone, switching on/off ......... 205
Mirrors see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
see Vanity mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............384
see Phone
Modifying the programming
(SmartKey) ........................................... 84
MOExtended run-flat system ........... 480
MP3 Bit/sampling rates ......................... 233
Copyright ....................................... 234
Data medium ................................. 233
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............230
File systems ................................... 233
Formats ......................................... 233
Mode, switching to ........................226
Notes ............................................. 233
Operation ....................................... 381
Pause function ............................... 227
Playback options ........................... 232
Safety notes .................................. 225
Selecting a media type ..................228
Selecting a track ............................ 229
Sound settings (balance, bass,
fader, treble) .................................. 139
Multicontour seat
Front .............................................. 274
Rear compartment .........................112
Multifunction display
Function/notes ............................. 376
Lane recommendations .................173
Multifunction steering wheel
Adjusting the volume .....................138
Operating the on-board computer . 375
Overview .......................................... 39
Using the telephone ....................... 203
Multisession CD ................................ 233
Music files Recording ...................................... 230
Music Register
Copying music data .......................235
MUSIC REGISTER
Deleting all music files ...................236
Deleting individual music files .......237
Disk space information ..................236Folder functions ............................. 237
General notes ................................ 234
Playback options ........................... 237
Switching to ................................... 234
Music search ..................................... 230
Music storage see MUSIC REGISTER
Mute ................................................... 138
N
Navigation Adjusting the volume of the
navigation announcements ............138
Alternative route ............................ 175
Basic settings ................................ 156
Blocking a route section affected
by a traffic jam ............................... 175
Compass function ..........................192
Destination memory ......................182
Displaying destination
information (arrival time, distance
to destination) ............................... 176
Entering/saving your home
address .......................................... 160
Entering a destination ....................157
Entering a destination by address .. 157
Entering a destination using the
map ............................................... 164
Entering an intermediate stop .......165
Entering a point of interest ............166
Entering characters (character
bar) ................................................ 133
Freeway information ......................191
General notes ................................ 155
GPS reception ................................ 155
Installing map software .................. 192
Lane recommendation ...................172
Map settings .................................. 186
Off-road/off-map (off-road
destination) .................................... 177
On-board computer .......................379
Previous destinations ....................185
Repeating announcements ............174
Route guidance .............................. 170
Route overview .............................. 176
Safety notes .................................. 154
16Index

Sound settingsBalance and fader ..........................139
Calling up the sound menu ............139
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...253
Surround sound ............................. 140
Treble and bass ............................. 139
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 518
Storage location ............................ 474
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 31
Speech control see Voice Control System
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the
additional speedometer .................388
Digital ............................................ 378
In the Instrument cluster .................37
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 388
see Instrument cluster
SPLITVIEW ......................................... 126
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 399
Introduction ..................................... 48
Warning lamp ................................. 428
Warning lamp (function) ................... 48
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 404
Switching on/off ........................... 280
Starting (engine) ................................ 308
Station memory ................................. 217
Steering (display message) .............. 420
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................114
Button overview ............................... 39
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 375
Cleaning ......................................... 472
Important safety notes ..................114
Paddle shifters ............................... 318
Steering wheel heating ..................114
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 118Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off ........................... 114
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 318
Stop function Audio DVD ..................................... 228
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...260
Video DVD ..................................... 247
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 382
Storing stations Manually ........................................ 217
Storing stations (radio)
Automatically ................................. 217
Stowage areas ................................... 434
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 435
Cup holders ................................... 439
Door ............................................... 435
Eyeglasses compartment ...............435
Glove box ....................................... 434
Important safety information .........434
Parcel net ...................................... 437
Rear ............................................... 436
Rear seat backrest ......................... 436
Rear seats (between) .....................436
Stowage well ..................................... 438
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 438
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 494
Sun visor ............................................ 440
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround sound
see 3D sound (Harman Kardon ®
surround sound system)
Surround sound (harman/
kardon ®
surround sound system)
Notes ............................................. 140
Switching on/off ........................... 140
Suspension tuning
Active Body Control .......................349
AIRMATIC ...................................... 348
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 30122Index

CockpitFunctionPage:Steering wheel paddle
shifters
318
;Combination switch283=Cruise control lever335?HornAInstrument cluster37BDIRECT SELECT lever314CControl panel for:Vehicle level347Suspension tuning348PARKTRONIC350Swiveling the COMAND
display
128
COMAND display
brightness
128
Instrument lighting128FunctionPageDOverhead control panel42EAutomatic climate control294FIgnition lock307Start/Stop button307GAdjusts the steering wheel114Steering wheel heating114HElectric parking brake328IDiagnostics connection31JOpens the hood458KNight View Assist Plus360LLight switch28036CockpitAt a glance

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

injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz
strongly recommends that you inform the
subsequent owner that the vehicle is
equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence
of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:
R frontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags)
R side impacts (side impact air bags and
window curtain air bags)
R rollover (window curtain air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
When the air bags are deployed, a small
amount of powder is released. The powder
generally does not constitute a health hazard
and does not indicate that there is a fire in the
vehicle. In order to prevent potential
breathing difficulties, you should leave the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have any breathing difficulty but cannot get
out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or
door.GWARNING
In order to reduce the potential danger of
injuries caused during the deployment of the
front air bags, the driver and front passenger
must always be correctly seated and wear
their seat belts.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision, you must always be in the normal
seat position with your back against the
backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure
that it is correctly positioned on your body.
As the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag, as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R sit with the seat belt fastened correctly and
in a position that is as upright as possible
with your back against the backrest.
R move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm). You
should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
50Occupant safetySafety