2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN tow

X
To load a single magazine tray: press
respective button =.
X Remove any CD/DVD which may be in
slot :.
X Wait until the indicator lamp for button =
which has been pressed flashes quickly.
X Insert 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.
X To 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.
X Wait until the indicator lamp for the
respective button flashes quickly.
X Insert a disc into slot :.
The DVD changer switches to the next
empty magazine tray.
X Repeat 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.
X To remove a disc:
press respective button
=.
X Remove 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.
X To remove all discs: press button ?.
The
DVD changer ejects the CD/DVD from
the tray currently in use. X
Remove the CD/DVD from slot :.
The DVD changer switches to the next
loaded magazine tray and ejects the CD/
DVD.
X Repeat the last step until the magazine is
empty.
Loading and removing SD cards i
Not
all SD memory cards are designed for
the temperatures which may be reached in
the vehicle.
Due to the wide range of SD cards available
on the market, Mercedes-Benz cannot
guarantee playback for all brands of SD
memory card. X
To load an SD card:
press the SD card into
slot :. The tapered side must point
towards the right.
If the SD card contains MP3 tracks,
COMAND will play them back.
X To remove the SD card:
press the SD card
into slot : as far as it will go and then
release it again.
X Pull out the card.
Activating audio CD/DVD or MP3 mode Option 1
X
Insert a CD/DVD ( Y page 220) or an SD
card (Y
page 221) or connect a USB device
(Y page 233).
COMAND loads the medium inserted and
starts to play it. Audio
221
COMAND Z

N
Neutral
D Drive
i The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns
to its original position. The current
transmission
position P, R, N or D appears
in the transmission position display
(Y page 312) in the multifunction display.
Engaging park position P X
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
direction of arrow P.
i The automatic transmission shifts
automatically into park position P if you
open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary

or driving at very low speed, and
the transmission is in position D or R.
! If the engine speed is too high or the
vehicle is moving, do not shift the
automatic transmission directly from D to
R, from R to D or directly to P. The
automatic transmission could otherwise be
damaged.
Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
i The ECO start/stop function is not
available when reverse gear is engaged.
For further information on the ECO start/
stop function, see ( Y page 306).
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Neutral N with ECO start/stop function
activated The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is
braked to a standstill when in neutral
N and
the brake is still depressed. For further information on the ECO start/stop
function (
Y page 306).
Shifting to neutral N X
When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically
switches to N.
Remaining in neutral N
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutral N, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car
washes

with a towing device, please observe
the following instructions: G
WARNING
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the

vehicle. It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Using the SmartKey:
R make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the electric parking
brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R engage park position P.
R release the brake pedal. Automatic transmission
311
Driving and parking Z

A
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing
the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train. 7
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program
E/S or, for AMG vehicles,
C/S/M (Y page 314)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Vehicles for USA except AMG vehicles:
fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Vehicles for Canada except AMG
vehicles: depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions
D and
R can help to free a vehicle that has become
stuck in mud or snow. The engine
management system of the vehicle limits
shifting

back and forth between transmission
positions D and R to a maximum speed of
5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth
between transmission positions D and R,
move the selector lever up and down beyond
the pressure point.
Working on the vehicle G
WARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
electronic parking brake and shift the
automatic transmission into park position P.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury. Automatic transmission
313Driving and parking Z

Problems with the transmission
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second
gear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position D or R.
If D
is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately. Transfer case
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always
transmitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system

or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
this purpose.
! To prevent ESP ®
from intervening, the
ignition must be switched off (SmartKey or
the Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) if:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles
with 4MATIC). The brake system could otherwise be
damaged.
Refueling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable
and poisonous. They burn violently and can
cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or
clothing contact. Extinguish all smoking
materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health. Refueling
317
Driving and parking Z

X
Press DEF refill bottle = down.
The DEF tank is filled. This may take up to
one minute.
i If the DEF refill bottle is no longer pressed
down, the filling process stops and the
partially emptied bottle can be removed.
X Release DEF refill bottle =.
X Turn DEF refill bottle = counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Place DEF filler cap ;
on the filler neck and
turn it clockwise. X
Insert DEF cap : as shown and turn it
clockwise as far as it will go.
X Place the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel in the emergency spare wheel well
above the DEF tank.
X Insert the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel fastening and tighten clockwise.
X Fold the trunk floor down.
X Close the trunk lid.
X Drive at a speed above 10 mph (16 km/h)
.
The Check Additive See Operator's
Manual message goes out after
approximately one minute.
i If the Check Additive See
Operator's Manual message remains
shown in the multifunction display, add an
additional bottle of DEF.
i Then, have the DEF supply checked at a
qualified specialist workshop and
completely refilled if necessary. Parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible
materials can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system. Combustible
materials, such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited by the hot exhaust system and
cause a vehicle fire. Do not park the vehicle
on dry grassland or harvested grain fields.
Unintended vehicle movement can cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R keep your right foot on the brake pedal.
R engage the electric parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R slowly release the brake pedal.
R when parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock, or press the KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving. Switching off the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has
come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle. Parking
323
Driving and parking Z

more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm
up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt
treated roads G
WARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new

trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes !
If
the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. This work
should be carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist
workshop,

e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. G
WARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance

tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
a dynamometer, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, you could
damage the drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or
1) when the electric parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the electric parking brake on a
brake dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.328
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R
The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
Cruise control lever :
To switch on or to increase the speed
; To switch on or to reduce the speed
= To deactivate cruise control
? To switch on with the current speed or
with the last stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display
for five seconds and is indicated in the
speedometer

by a triangle. The speedometer
dial lights up between the set speed and the
maximum speed. Storing and maintaining the current
speed You can store the current speed if you are
driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h)

.
X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
up : or down ;.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the speed.
i Cruise
control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise control maintains the
stored speed on downhill gradients by
automatically applying the brakes.
Storing the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed G
WARNING
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could

cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The first time cruise control is activated, it
stores the current speed or regulates the
speed of the vehicle to the previously
stored speed. Driving systems
331
Driving and parking Z

Immediately brake the vehicle to increase
your distance to the preceding vehicle. The
warning sound is intended as a final caution
in which you should intercede with your own
braking inputs to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation. Do not wait for the
operation of the warning signal to intercede
with your own braking. This will result in
potentially dangerous emergency braking
which
will not always result in an impact being
avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with a
maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
).
This is equivalent to approximately 40 % of
your vehicle's maximum possible
deceleration.
You need to brake yourself to prevent a
collision.

DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle
to restore the set distance from the vehicle
ahead or the set speed. G
WARNING
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals during a critical traffic
situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not
recognized the collision risk, has been
deactivated or is malfunctioning.
Remember,

whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS
is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers
responsibility to apply the brakes in order to
control the vehicle and avoid a collision. Cruise control lever :
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
? To store the current speed or to call up
the last stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance
Switching on DISTRONIC PLUS, storing
the current speed and maintaining it Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
PLUS
is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or
by towing).
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
R the electric parking brake must be
released.
R ESP ®
must be activated but not
intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the hood must be closed. Driving systems
335
Driving and parking Z