2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class ECO mode

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment 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 Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (Y page 29). Exterior lighting
General notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz recom- mends that you drive with the lights switchedon even during the daytime. In some coun-
tries, operation of the headlamps varies due
to legal requirements and self-imposed obli-
gations. Driving abroad
Symmetrical low-beam headlamps Switch the headlamps to symmetrical low
beam in countries in which traffic drives on
the opposite side of the road from the country where the vehicle is registered. This prevents
glare to oncoming traffic. When using sym-
metrical lights, the edge of the road is not lit
as widely and as far ahead as normal.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries.
Asymmetrical low beam Have the headlamps converted back to asym-
metrical low-beam headlamps at a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as possible after
crossing the border again. Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using:
R the light switch
R the combination switch (Y page 152)
R the on-board computer (Y page 312)
Light switch Operation
1
W
Left-hand standing lamps
2 X
Right-hand standing lamps
3 T
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4 Ã
Automatic headlamp mode, control-
led by the light sensor
5 L
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
X Turn the light switch to Ã.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you: R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey in
position 0
Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to Ã, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other 150
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment 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 Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (Y page 29). Overview of climate control systems
General notes
Observe the settings recommended on the
following pages. The windows could other-
wise fog up.
To prevent the windows from fogging up:
R switch off climate control only briefly
R switch on air-recirculation mode only
briefly
R switch on the cooling with air dehumidifi-
cation function
R switch on the defrost windshield function
briefly, if required
Climate control regulates the temperature
and air humidity in the vehicle interior. The air filter cleans the air, thus improving the inte-
rior climate.
The "Cooling with air dehumidification" func-
tion is only available when the engine is run-
ning. Optimum climate control is only ach-
ieved with the side windows and roof closed.
The residual heat function can only be acti-
vated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off (Y page 177).
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the con-
venience opening feature (Y page 107).
This will speed up the cooling process and the desired interior temperature will be
reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter filters out most par-
ticles of dust and soot and completely fil-
ters out pollen. It also reduces gaseous pol- lutants and odors. A clogged filter reduces
the amount of air supplied to the vehicle
interior. For this reason, you should always observe the interval for replacing the filter,which is specified in the Maintenance
Booklet. As it depends on environmental
conditions, e.g. heavy air pollution, the
interval may be shorter than stated in the
Maintenance Booklet.
i It is possible that the blower may be acti-
vated automatically 60 minutes after the
SmartKey has been removed depending on various factors, e.g. the outside tempera-
ture. The vehicle is then ventilated for
30 minutes to dry the climate control sys-
tem. 164
Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

Notes on using automatic climate
control
Climate control system Below, you can find a number of notes and
recommendations to help you use climate
control optimally.
R Activate climate control using the Ã
rocker switch. The indicator lamp in the
à rocker switch lights up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "Windshield defrosting" func-
tion briefly until the windshield is clear
again.
R Only use air-recirculation mode briefly, e.g.
if there are unpleasant outside odors or
when in a tunnel. The windows could oth-
erwise fog up, since no fresh air is drawn
into the vehicle in air-recirculation mode.
R Use the residual heat function if you want to
heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when
the ignition is switched off. The residual
heat function can only be activated or deac- tivated with the ignition switched off. The
residual heat function is switched off whenthe ignition is switched on.
If you are controlling the rear climate control using the front control panel, note the follow-
ing:
R If you set rear-compartment climate con-
trol using the front control panel, the Y
symbol appears in the rear-compartment
control panel display.
R If the rear-compartment climate control is
set using the front control panel, it cannot
be set at the same time using the rear con- trol panel. If controlling the rear climate
control from the front control panel is
locked, wait five seconds. You will then be
able to control the rear climate control
using the rear control panel.
R After selecting the rear compartment set-
tings, the front climate control can be con-
trolled automatically again via COMAND
after five seconds. Alternatively, you can select "Cancel rear
compartment" in the COMAND air-condi-
tioning function bar.
ECO start/stop function During automatic engine switch-off, the cli-
mate control system only operates at a
reduced capacity. If you require the full cli-
mate control output, you can switch off the
ECO start/stop function by pressing the ECO
button (Y page 194). Operating the climate control sys-
tems Switching climate control on/off
General notes When the climate control is switched off, the
air supply and air circulation are also
switched off. The windows could fog up.
Therefore, switch off climate control only
briefly
Switch on climate control primarily using the
à rocker switch (Y page 171).
Switching the front climate control on
and off using the control panel X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Y page 189).
X To activate: press thetrocker switch
up or down.
The COMAND climate control menu opens.
X Activate climate control via the air-condi-
tioning setting bar in COMAND (see the
separate operating instructions).
X To deactivate: press thetrocker
switch up or down.
The COMAND climate control menu opens.
X Deactivate climate control via the air-con-
ditioning setting bar in COMAND (see the
separate operating instructions). Operating the climate control systems
169Climate control

General notes
During a cold start, the engine runs at higher
speeds to enable the catalytic converter to
reach its operating temperature. The sound of the engine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position P
(Y page 197).
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows
P (Y page 199).
You can start the engine in transmission posi-
tion Pand N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey To start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of the Start/Stop button, pull the
Start/Stop button out of the ignition lock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 3in the igni-
tion (Y page 189) lock and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
Starting procedure with the Start/Stop button The Start/Stop button can be used to start
the vehicle manually without inserting the
SmartKey into the ignition lock. The Start/
Stop button must be inserted in the ignition
lock and the SmartKey must be in the vehicle. This mode for starting the engine operates
independently of the ECO start/stop auto-
matic engine start function.
You can start the engine if a valid SmartKey is
in the vehicle. Always take the SmartKey with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you only
leave it for a short time. Pay attention to the
important safety notes.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Press the Start/Stop button once
(Y page 189).
The engine starts. Pulling away
General notes G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
Depress the accelerator carefully when pull-
ing away.
The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time.
You can also deactivate the automatic locking feature (Y page 98).
It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position Pto the desired position if you
depress the brake pedal. Only then is the
parking lock released. If the brake pedal is not
depressed, the DIRECT SELECT lever can still be moved but the parking lock remains
engaged.
i Upshifts take place at higher engine
speeds after a cold start. This helps the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature more quickly.
Information on the automatic release of the
electric parking brake (Y page 222).
Hill start assist Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It
holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
This gives you enough time to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and to depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll. 192
DrivingDriving and parking

Problems with the transmission
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop 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
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation (Y
page 290).Transfer case
! 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.
! To prevent ESP ®
from intervening, the
ignition must be switched off (SmartKey or
the Start/Stop button in position 0or 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 dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission. This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles. Refueling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refueling. G
WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing Refueling
205Driving and parking
Z

Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from traffic conditions. You could also lose controlof the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicleis stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the coun- try in which you are driving. Some jurisdic-
tions prohibit the driver from using a mobile
phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel:
X The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
X Remove unnecessary loads.
X Remove roof racks when they are not nee-
ded.
X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
X Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in
hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
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 if they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine must be carried
out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-
Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at 224
Driving tipsDriving and pa
rking

regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet. ECO display
The ECO display provides feedback on how
economical your driving characteristics are.
The ECO display assists you in achieving the
most economical driving style for the selec-
ted settings and prevailing conditions. Your
driving style can significantly influence the
vehicle's consumption.
The ECO display consists of three bars:
R Acceleration
Acceleration
R Constant Constant
R Coasting
Coasting
The percent value is the average value of the three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher percent-
age indicates a more economical driving
style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel consumption. A fixed percentage count
in the ECO display does not indicate a fixed
consumption.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.:
R load
R tire pressure
R cold start
R choice of route
R electrical consumers switched on These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories:
R Acceleration
Acceleration (evaluation of all accelera-
tion processes):
- The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds
- The bar empties: sporty acceleration
R Constant
Constant (assessment of driving behavior
at all times):
- The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration
and deceleration
- The bar empties: fluctuations in speed
R Coasting Coasting (assessment of all deceleration
processes):
- The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping your distance and early release
of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast
without use of the brakes.
- The bar empties: frequent braking
An economical driving style specially requires driving at moderate engine speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Acceleration
Acceleration andConstant Constant :
R observe the gearshift recommendations.
R drive in drive program E.
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on
the highway, only the bar for Constant
Constantwill
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving char- acteristics from the start of the journey to its completion. For this reason, the bars change
dynamically at the beginning of the journey.
On longer journeys, there are fewer changes. For more dynamic changes, carry out a man- ual reset.
For further information on the ECO display,
see (Y page 300). Driving tips
225Driving and parking Z

a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to oper-
ate the vehicle on such a dynamometer,
please consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center in advance. You could other-
wise damage the drive train or the brake
system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
the ESP®
system
operates automatically. The engine and the
ignition must therefore be switched off (the
SmartKey must be in position 0or 1in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must
be in position 0or 1) if the electric parking
brake is tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may cause severe damage to the brake
system.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
the ESP®
system operates automatically. The engine
and the ignition must therefore be switched
off (the SmartKey must be in position 0or 1
in the ignition lock or the Start/Stop button
must be in position 0or 1) if:
R the electric parking brake is tested using
a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may cause severe damage to the brake
system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop to arrange this.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function-
ality of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) (Y page 77)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS)
(Y page 77). For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake
disks and brake pads/linings:
R brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz
R brake pads/linings that have been
approved by Mercedes-Benz or that are of
an equivalent standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake disks and brake
pads/linings on an axle at the same time.
Always install new brake pads/linings when
replacing brake disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight
brake disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
disks, such as when changing wheels, can
lead to a reduction in comfort when driving
with lightweight brake disks. Avoid shock-
type loads on the lightweight brake disks,
particularly on the brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes The high-performance brake system is only
available on AMG vehicles. Driving tips
227Driving and parking Z