2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN warning light

Cup holderCenter console .............................. 439
Important safety notes ..................439
Rear compartment .........................439
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 32
Customer Relations Department ....... 32
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Data medium
Audio DVD ..................................... 233
CD/DVD ........................................ 234
MP3 ............................................... 233
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 234
Date format, setting .......................... 148
Day design, setting ........................... 147
Daytime running lamps Display message ............................ 405
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 387
Switching on/off (switch) ..............281
Dealership
see Qualified specialist workshop
DEF
Adding ........................................... 325
Display message ............................ 409
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (COMAND) ...........267
Interior lighting (COMAND) ............267
Destination (navigation)
Displaying information ...................176
Entering a destination by address .. 157
Entering a destination using the
map ............................................... 164
Entering an intermediate stop .......165
Entering a point of interest ............166
Saving ............................................ 183
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 163
Selecting from the list of last
destinations ................................... 163
Destination memory (navigation)
Deleting an entry ........................... 185
Entering/saving your home
address .......................................... 160
Previous destinations ....................185
Diagnostics connection ...................... 31
Dialing a number (telephone) ........... 204
Diesel .................................................. 526
Digital speedometer ......................... 378
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission
Display
Selecting the design ......................147
Settings ......................................... 147
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 470
Displaying the arrival time ............... 176
Displaying the distance to the
destination ......................................... 176
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....390
Driving systems ............................. 410
Engine ............................................ 406
General notes ................................ 390
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........390
Lights ............................................. 403
Safety systems .............................. 391
Service interval display ..................465
SmartKey ....................................... 421
Tires ............................................... 417
Vehicle ........................................... 419
Distance
see Navigation, route overview
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 385
Distance recorder ............................. 378
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 430
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 343
Display message ............................ 415
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 343
Driving tips .................................... 344
Function/notes ............................. 336
Important safety notes ..................336Index9

Opening/closing the garage door ..455
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 453
Gear indicator (on-board
computer) .......................................... 381
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 472
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 522
Glove box ........................................... 434
GPS reception .................................... 155
Gracenote Media Database .............. 231
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Harman/kardon ®
Logic 7 ®
surround sound system see Surround sound (harman/
kardon ®
surround sound system)
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 283
HD Radio™ ......................................... 219
Heading up (navigation) ................... 188
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 531
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....464
Cleaning system (function) ............282
Fogging up ..................................... 285
see Automatic headlamp mode
Headphones
Changing batteries ........................251
Function overview ..........................146
Indicator lamp ................................ 147
Selecting a screen .........................146
Switching on/off ........................... 146
Head restraints
Adjusting ....................................... 110
Adjusting (electrically) ...................110
Adjusting (rear) .............................. 111
NECK-PRO ..................................... 110
NECK-PRO luxury ........................... 110
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) ....288
Changing bulbs (vehicles with LED
daylight lamps) .............................. 288
Display message ............................ 404
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 284
Switching on/off ........................... 283
Hill start assist .................................. 310
HOLD function Display message ............................ 412
Function/notes ............................. 346
Home
see Home address
Home address
Entering and saving .......................160
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 163
Hood
Closing ........................................... 459
Display message ............................ 420
Opening ......................................... 458
Hydroplaning ..................................... 333
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 79
In-car hotspot see Separate operating instructions
Incident (traffic report) ..................... 178
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Insect protection on the radiator .... 459
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 37
Warning and indicator lamps ...........38
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Interface (USB, iPod ®
)
see Media Interface
Interior lighting ......................... 267, 285
Ambient light (COMAND) ...............268
Automatic control ..........................286
Index13

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

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).
Occupant safety
Overview of occupant safety
In this section, you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint system consists of:
R seat belts
R child restraint systems
R LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
Additional protection is provided by:
R SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
R NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints
R PRE-SAFE ®
R Air bag system components with:
- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
- front-passenger seat with Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
The different air bag systems work
independently of each other. The protective
functions of the system work in conjunction
with each other. Not all air bags are deployed
in an accident.
GWARNING
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
( Y page 66) for more information on
infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle and restraints for infants and
children.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS consists of:
R the 6 SRS warning lamp
R air bags
R air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
R Emergency Tensioning Devices
R belt force limiters
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle's interior in the
event of an accident. It can also reduce the
effect of the forces to which occupants are
subjected during an accident.
SRS warning lamp
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
48Occupant safetySafety

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

Air bags provide additional protection; they
are not, however, a substitute for seat belts.
All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat
belts regardless of whether your vehicle is
equipped with air bags or not.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air
bags continue to perform their protective
function for the vehicle occupants in the
event of a crash.
Front air bags
The front air bags increase protection for the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
chest.
Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air
bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove
box.
They are deployed:
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R if the seat belt is fastened
R independently of other air bags in the
vehicle
If the vehicle overturns, the front air bags are
generally not deployed. If the system detects
high vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal
direction, the front air bags are deployed.
Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air
bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag
control unit evaluates the vehicle
deceleration. In the first deployment stage,
the front air bag is filled with enough
propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.
The front air bag is fully deployed if a second
deployment threshold is exceeded within a
few milliseconds.
The deployment of the front-passenger front
air bag is also influenced by the weight
category of the front passenger, which is
determined by the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) ( Y page 54).
The lighter the passenger-side occupant, the
higher the vehicle deceleration rate required
(predicted at the start of the impact) for
second stage inflation of the front-passenger
front air bag. In the second stage, the front
air bags are inflated with the maximum
amount of propellant gas available.
The front air bags are not deployed in
situations where a low impact severity is
predicted. You will then be protected by the
fastened seat belt.
The front-passenger front air bag will only
deploy if:
R the system, based on the OCS weight
sensor readings, detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied.
R the 42 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit, ( Y page 54).
R the air bag control unit predicts a high
impact severity.
Side impact air bagsGWARNING
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
52Occupant safetySafety

Window curtain air bags : are deployed:
R on the side on which an impact occurs
R at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
R regardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
R independently of seat belt use
R if the vehicle overturns and the system
determines that window curtain air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R independently of the front air bags
Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in
impacts with deceleration rates which do not
exceed the system's preset deployment
thresholds for vehicle deceleration or
acceleration. You will then be protected by
the fastened seat belt.
Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
How the Occupant Classification
System works
The Occupant Classification System (OCS)
categorizes the occupant on the front-
passenger seat by means of a weight sensor.
The front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated automatically for certain weight
categories. The 42 indicator
lamp shows you the current status. If the
42 indicator lamp is illuminated,
the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated.
The system does not deactivate:
R the side impact air bag
R the window curtain air bag
R the Emergency Tensioning Devices
To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit:
R with the seat belt fastened correctly
R in a position that is as upright as possible
with their back against the seat backrest
R with their feet on the floor
If the front-passenger's weight is transferred
to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by
leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to
approximate the occupant's weight category.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or
the seat cushion are damaged, have the
necessary repair work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use seat
accessories that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driver and the passenger should
always use the 42 indicator
lamp as an indication of whether or not the
passenger is properly positioned.GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp lights up
when an adult or someone larger than a small
individual is in the front-passenger seat, have
the front passenger reposition himself or
herself in the seat until the 42
indicator lamp goes out.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front-passenger front air
bag deployment when the OCS has classified
the front-passenger seat occupant as
weighing as much as or less than a typical 12-
month-old child in a standard child restraint
or if the front-passenger seat is classified as
being empty.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
54Occupant safetySafety

with the weight of a standard appropriate
child restraint on the front-passenger seat.
R A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front-passenger
front air bag inflates in a collision which
could occur under some circumstances,
even with the air bag technology installed
in your vehicle. The only means to eliminate
this risk completely is never to place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint in the front-
passenger seat. We therefore strongly
recommend that you always place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear
seat.
R If you install a rear-facing child restraint on
the front-passenger seat, make sure the
42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Should the 42 indicator lamp
not illuminate or go out while the restraint
is installed, please check installation.
Periodically check the 42
indicator lamp while driving to make sure
the 42 indicator lamp is
illuminated. If the 42 indicator
lamp goes out or remains out, do not
transport a child on the front-passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front-passenger
front air bag inflates.
R If you place a child in a forward-facing child
restraint on the front-passenger seat:
- move the seat as far back as possible
- use the proper child restraint
recommended for the age, size and
weight of the child
- secure child restraint with the vehicle's
seat belt according to the child seat
manufacturer's instructions
R For children larger than a typical 12-month-
old child, the front-passenger front air bag
can be activated or deactivated.If the driver's air bag deploys, this does not
mean that the front-passenger front air bag
will also deploy.
The OCS may have detected that the seat:
R is either empty or occupied by a person
with a weight up to that of a typical twelve-
month-old child seated in a standard child
restraint
R is occupied by a small individual, such as a
young teenager or a small adult
R is occupied by a child in a child restraint
system, whose weight is greater than that
of a typical twelve-month-old child.
These are examples of when the OCS
deactivates the front-passenger front air bag.
Deactivation takes place although the
collision fulfills the criteria for deploying the
driver's air bag.
If the SmartKey has been removed from the
ignition lock or is in position 0,
42 indicator lamp : does not
light up.
GWARNING
If the red SRS 6 indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster and the 42
indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there
is a malfunction in the OCS. The front
passenger front air bag will be deactivated in
this case. Have the system checked by
qualified technicians as soon as possible.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
56Occupant safetySafety