2013 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN steering wheel

COMAND controller and press
W to
confirm.
The main area is active.
X Select the Rear Window Sunshade
function by sliding XVY or turning cVd
the COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.
Activating/deactivating the automatic
folding mirror function In the
Automatic Mirror Folding menu,
you can set the exterior mirrors so that they
automatically fold in when the vehicle is
locked. X
To activate/deactivate automatic
mirror
folding: select Vehicle in the main
function bar by sliding XVY and turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The main area is active.
X Select the Automatic Mirror Folding
function by sliding XVY or turning cVd
the COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.
Setting the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature G
WARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
when you activate the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature.
If

there is a risk of entrapment by the steering
column, move the steering wheel adjustment lever or press the position button of the
memory function.
If

there is a risk of entrapment by the seat, you
can also cancel the adjustment procedure by
moving the switch for seat adjustment. The
steering column and driver's seat stop moving
immediately.
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. They could open the driver's door and
thereby unintentionally activate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature and become trapped.
You can make a setting in COMAND so that
the steering wheel swings upwards and/or
the driver's seat moves backwards before you
get into the vehicle. You can make the
following settings:
R OFF: the function is switched off.
R Steering Column: the steering wheel
swings upwards.
R Steering Column and Seat : the steering
wheel swings upwards and the driver’s seat
moves backwards. X
To set the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature:
select Vehicle

in the main function bar by
sliding XVY and turning cVd the262
Vehicle
COMAND

Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the
direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active:
R if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel.
R if you are driving at speeds between
25 mph (40 km/h) and
45 mph (70 km/h) or turn the steering
wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes. Adaptive Highbeam Assist
You can use this function to set the
headlamps

to change between low beam and
high beam automatically. The system
recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either
approaching from the opposite direction or
traveling in front of your vehicle, and
consequently switches the headlamps from
high beam to low beam. The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system

no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel. X
To activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer ( Y page 386).
X Turn the light switch to c.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure

point in the direction of arrow :
(Y page 279).
If it is dark and the light sensor activates
the low-beam headlamps, the _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
If you drive faster than approximately
28 mph (45 km/h):
the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
If you drive faster than approximately
35 mph (55 km/h) and no other road users
are identified: 280
Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Program selector button
General information The program selector button influences:
R
the drive program
R the AIRMATIC (Y page 343) or ABC
(Y page 345) suspension settings
R the engine management Program selector button
Program selector button on AMG vehicles
In AMG vehicles, drive program
E is called
drive program C.E Economy
C Controlled
Efficiency Comfortable, economical
driving
S Sport Sporty driving style
M Manual Manual gearshifting
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see
(Y page 314). AMG vehicles:
only change from automatic
drive
program C or S to manual drive program
M when the vehicle is stationary.
X Press program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
i When
the engine is started, the automatic
transmission always switches to automatic
drive program E (drive program C in AMG
vehicles). Steering wheel paddle shifters
:
Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
; Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range
by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
You can change gear yourself by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters in the manual
drive program. Automatic drive program
Drive program E (drive program C on AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased

sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being314
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
Drive program S is characterized by the
following:
R sporty engine settings
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R the
fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points Shift ranges
Introduction When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range

(Y page 315).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear. Shift range
=
You can use the engine's braking
effect.
5
To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R
on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions 4
To use the braking effect of the
engine

on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches Restricting the shift range
X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down
one

gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
i If

the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up in order to prevent the engine
from overrevving, even if the shift range is
restricted.
Derestricting the shift range X
Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction X
Pull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle

shifter until D is shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows optimum acceleration
and

deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears. Automatic transmission
315
Driving and parking Z

Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive programThe manual drive program is only available for
AMG vehicles.
Manual drive program
M is different from
drive program S with regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
Manual drive program M can be selected
using

the program selector button. In manual
drive program M, you can change gear
yourself using the steering wheel paddle
shifters if the transmission is in position D.
The gear currently selected and engaged is
shown in the multifunction display.
X Press the program selector button
(Y

page 314) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting !
In
manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
X Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 314).
The

automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator appears in the
multifunction display. :
Gear indicator
; Upshift indicator
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 314).
The

automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down to a gear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
i For maximum acceleration, pull the left-
hand

steering wheel paddle shifter until the
transmission selects the optimum gear for
the current speed.
Kickdown i
Kickdown is not possible in manual drive
program M.
Switching

off the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y page 314) repeatedly until C or S
appears in the multifunction display. 316
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

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

Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do
not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust check G
WARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do

not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency
when they are maintained exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. For this reason, all work on the
engine must be carried out only by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Service Booklet. Brakes
Important safety notes G
WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result

in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients !
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early

to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in
excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads G
WARNING
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without
applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal Driving tips
327
Driving and parking
Z

by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
General notes G
WARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the
vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 492).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y page 492).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing

point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. G
WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result

in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.

Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 493). G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes. Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed

for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
set any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h). G
WARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation. 330
Driving systems
Driving and parking