2015 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Owner's Manual

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

After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-
age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC
PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow-
ing or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
R the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
R the windshield wiper switch is at position
0.
R the 360° camera or rear view camera is
switched off.
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! If the SmartKey is within the rear detec-
tion range of KEYLESS-GO, the following
situations, for example, could lead to the
unintentional opening of the trunk:
R using a car wash
R using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least
10 ft (3 m) away from the vehicle.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in neutral position Nwhen washing
your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
R Operating with the SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock. Do not open the driver's
door when the engine is switched off or
at very low speeds. Otherwise, when in transmission position
Dor Rthe auto-
matic transmission will automatically
switch to park position Pand block the
wheels.
R Operating with the Start/Stop button:
Do not open the driver's door when the
engine is switched off or at very low
speeds. Otherwise, when in transmission
position Dor Rthe automatic transmis-
sion will automatically switch to park
position Pand block the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N
neutral:
Operating with the SmartKey:
X Make sure that the ignition is switched on.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake, if nec-
essary.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the Smart-
Key in the ignition lock.
Operating with the Start/Stop button:
X Make sure that the ignition is switched on.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Engage park position P.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Remove Start/Stop button from ignition
lock (Y page 189).
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake, if nec-
essary.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the Smart-
Key in the ignition lock. 412
CareMaintenance and care

You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind- shield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each coun-
try.
X Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Power washers G
WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
! If the SmartKey is within the rear detec-
tion range of KEYLESS-GO, the following
situations, for example, could lead to the
unintentional opening of the trunk:
R using a car wash
R using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least
10 ft (3 m) away from the vehicle.
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely Care
413Maintenance and care Z

repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
This is the case approximately every three to
five months, depending on the climate con-
ditions and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if
the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
X Use a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care !
Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
! The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
R Vigorous rubbing with unsuitable mate-
rials.
R Frequent use of car washes.
R Washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or pol-
ishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable sur- face damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a
clear matte finish. This will help you to avoid
damage to the paintwork due to incorrect
treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear matte finish.
The vehicle should preferably be washed by
hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo and
plenty of water.
Use only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of approved Mercedes-Benz
care products. Cleaning the vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels G
WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! 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 414
CareMaintenance and care