2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class maintenance

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). Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. G
WARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position. There is a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is
within its range of movement. G
WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department. G
WARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment:
R switch off the ignition
R never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
R remove jewelry and watches
R keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts G
WARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection sys- tem work under high voltage. If you touch
components which are under voltage, you
could get an electric shock. There is a risk of
injury.
Never touch components of the ignition sys-
tem or fuel injection system when the ignition is switched on.
Opening the hood G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood. 404
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

!
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. X
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
X Pull release lever :on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull hood catch han-
dle ;up and lift the hood.
Once you have lifted the hood about
15 inches (40 cm), it is automatically
opened the rest of the way and held open
by the gas-filled struts.
Closing the hood X
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
X Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Engine oil
General notes Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil consumption
may be higher than this when the vehicle is
new or if you frequently drive at high engine
speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick (except S 600 and S 65 AMG) G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. Engine compartment
405Maintenance and care Z

Example
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =
or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of engine oil. 406
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Checking the oil level using the on-board computer (S 600 and S 65 AMG)
X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position 2in the ignition lock.
X Use ò on the steering wheel to call up the list of menus.
X Press the :or9 button on the steering wheel to select the Service
Service menu.
X Confirm by pressing aon the steering wheel.
X Use : or9 to select the Engine Oil Level
Engine Oil Level submenu.
X Press ato confirm the selection.
The Measuring
Measuring engine
engineoil
oillevel
level accurate
accurate only
onlywhen
whenvehicle
vehicle is
islevel
level message
appears in the multifunction display.
The measurement takes a few seconds. You will see one of the following messages in the
multifunction display: Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Engine
Engine
Oil
OilLevel
Level OK
OK The oil level is correct.
Check Engine Oil
Check Engine Oil
Level Level
(Add
(Add1
1Liter)
Liter) The oil level is too low.
X Top up 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of engine oil. Reduce Engine Oil
Reduce Engine Oil
Level Level The engine oil level is too high.
X Have excess engine oil siphoned off. For Engine Oil
For Engine Oil
Level Ignition Level Ignition
Must Be On Must Be On The ignition is switched off.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition lock. Need More Time to
Need More Time to
Check Engine Oil Check Engine Oil
Level Level The required waiting period was not observed.
X If the engine is at normal operating temperature: repeat the
measurement after about five minutes.
If the engine is not at normal operating temperature, e.g. if the
engine was only started briefly: repeat the measurement after
approximately 30 minutes. Engine Oil Level Engine Oil Level
Not Measurable Not Measurable
with with
Engine
Engine Running
Running The engine is running; oil level measurement is not possible.
X Switch off the engine.
X If the engine is at normal operating temperature: wait about five
minutes before carrying out the measurement.
If the engine is not at normal operating temperature, e.g. if theengine was only started briefly: wait approximately 30 minutes before carrying out the measurement. Adding engine oil
G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury. Engine compartment
407Maintenance and care
Z

Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a ser-
vice system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by
the service system has been exceeded
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off. Example
X Turn cap :counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)of
engine oil.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (Y page 405).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 491). Additional service products
Checking coolant level G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized, par- ticularly when the engine is warm. When 408
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

opening the cap, you could be scalded by hot
coolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehi- cle is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Y page 189).
or
X Press Start/Stop button twice
(Y page 189).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 189) in the ignition lock.
or
X Remove Start/Stop button from ignition
lock (Y page 189).
X Slowly turn cap :half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap :further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough coolant in coolant expansion tank ;.If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar =in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been tes-
ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: the second cool-
ant expansion tank must not be filled.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 493).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck. Engine compartment
409Maintenance and care Z

X
To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Place cap :on the edge of the filler neck
and engage in place.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the rec-
ommended minimum of 1 liter, a message
appears in the multifunction display prompt-
ing you to add washer fluid (Y page 353).
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 494).ASSYST PLUS
Service message
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
i The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Y page 405).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.: R Service A in .. Days
Service A in .. Days
R Service A Due
Service A Due
R Service A Exceeded by .. Days Service A Exceeded by .. Days
Depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letter A
Aor B
B, possibly in connection with a
number or another letter, indicates the type
of service. A
Astands for a minor service and B
B
for a major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before discon-
necting the battery.
or
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display. Hiding a service message
X Press the aor% button on the steer-
ing wheel. Displaying service messages
X Switch the ignition on.
X Use ò on the steering wheel to call up
the list of menus.
X Press the 9or: button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Service
Service menu and
press ato confirm.
X Press the 9or: button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the ASSYST PLUS ASSYST PLUSsub-
menu and press ato confirm.
The service due date appears in the multi-
function display. Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display !
If the ASSYST PLUS service interval dis-
play has been inadvertently reset, this set-
ting can be corrected at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
Have service work carried out as described in the Maintenance Booklet. This may oth- 410
ASSYST PLUSMaintenance and care

erwise lead to increased wear and damage
to the major assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, will reset
the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
after the service work has been carried out.
You can also obtain further information on
maintenance work, for example.
Special service requirements The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions
or increased load on the vehicle, mainte-
nance work must be carried out more fre-
quently, for example:
R regular city driving with frequent intermedi-
ate stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
R use in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long peri-
ods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often. Further information
can be obtained at a qualified specialist work- shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
Driving abroad An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center. Care
General notes
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man- ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly after having cleaned the wheels with wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident. Care
411Maintenance and care
Z