2016 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS battery

Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N neu-
tral:
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 neces-
sary. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
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 162).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 neces-
sary. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
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 windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each country. 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 gen-
tle 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 paint-
work.
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 equip-
ment 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.360
Care
Maintenance and care

Battery (vehicle)
12 V battery – important safety notes PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles are equipped with a
12 V battery and a high-voltage battery. The fol-
lowing notes refer to the 12 V battery. Notes on
the high-voltage battery can be obtained in the
"High-voltage battery – important safety notes"
section ( Y
page 374).
Special tools and expert knowledge are required
when working on the battery, e.g. removal and
installation. You should therefore have all work
involving the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
G WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can
lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g the lighting sys-
tem, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program). The oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be restricted.
You could lose control of the vehicle, for
example: R
when braking R
in the event of abrupt steering maneuvers
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci-
dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
should have all work involving the battery car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
For further information about ABS and ESP ®
,
see ( Y
page 68) and ( Y
page 73).
All vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
G WARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation
of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion. Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-start-
ing.
Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery is electrostatically charged. A build-up of
electrostatic charge can be caused, for exam-
ple: R
by wearing clothing made from synthetic
fibers R
due to friction between clothing and seats R
if you push or pull the battery across the car-
pet or other synthetic materials R
if you wipe the battery with a cloth
G WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion. R
Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts. R
Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery. R
It is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery. R
When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected. R
It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables. R
Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
G WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with372
Battery (vehicle)
Breakdo wn assis tance

plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
All vehicles:
H Environmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Mainte-
nance Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
! Always have work on batteries carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop. Should it, in
exceptional circumstances, be absolutely
necessary to disconnect the 12-volt battery
yourself, observe the following: R
secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away. R
switch off the ignition. R
always disconnect the negative terminal
clamp first, followed by the positive termi-
nal clamp.
After the battery has been disconnected, the
transmission is locked in position P .
After the work has been done, install the bat-
tery and replace the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp firmly.
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries. Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking are
prohibited when handling the bat-
tery. Avoid creating sparks.
Electrolyte or battery acid is corro-
sive. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing.
Wear suitable protective clothing,
especially gloves, apron and face-
guard.
Immediately rinse electrolyte or acid
splashes off with clean water. Con-
tact a physician if necessary.
Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's Manual.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use batteries which have
been tested and approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz. These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehicle
occupants from suffering acid burns should the
battery be damaged in the event of an accident.
In order for the battery to achieve the maximum
possible service life, it must always be suffi-
ciently charged.
Like other batteries, the vehicle battery may
discharge over time if you do not use the vehicle.
In this case, have the battery disconnected at a
qualified specialist workshop. You can also
charge the battery with a charger recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Contact a qualified special-
ist workshop for further information.
Have the battery condition of charge checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked for a long period of time.Battery (vehicle) 373
Breakdown assistance Z

Remove th e SmartKey if you park th e vehicl e
and do no t require any electrical consumers.
The vehicl e will then use ver y littl e energy, thus
conserving battery power .
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if th e battery
charge is sufficient, th e high-voltage battery can
also suppl y th e 12 V battery. This only happens
if th e condition of charge of th e 12 V battery
require s this, e.g. after usin g electrical consum-
ers for an extended period wit h th e engin e
switched off . As th e on-board voltag e is contin-
uously monitore d this can also be performed
when th e engin e is switched off . The condition of
charge of th e 12 V battery and th e on-board
voltag e are thereby kept stable for a longer
period.
High-voltage battery – important
safety notes Only PLUG-I N HYBRID vehicles are equipped
wit h a high-voltage battery.
G DANGER
The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is
under high voltage. If you modify component s
in th e vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
or touch damaged components, you may be
electrocuted. The component s in th e vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system may be
damaged in an accident, althoug h th e damag e
is no t visible. There is a ris k of fatal injury.
Followin g an accident, do no t touch any high -
voltag e component s and never modify th e
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system. Hav e
th e vehicl e towed away after an acciden t and
th e vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
checke d by a qualified specialist workshop.
G WARNIN G
In th e event of a vehicl e fire, th e internal pres-
sur e of th e high-voltage battery can exceed a
critical value . In this cas e flammabl e gas
escapes throug h a ventilation valv e on th e
underbody. The gas can ignite. There is a ris k
of injury.
Leav e th e danger zone immediately. Secur e
th e danger area at a suitable distance, whils t
observing legal requirements . G WARNIN G
If th e housing of th e high-voltage battery has
been damaged, electrolyt e and gase s may
leak out . These are poisonous and caustic.
There is a ris k of injury.
Avoid contact wit h skin, eyes or clothing .
Immediately rinse electrolyt e splashes off
wit h water and seek medical attention
straight away.
! Exhaustive discharge caused by th e vehicl e
standing idle for lengthy periods can damag e
th e high-voltage battery. If th e vehicl e is idle
for lengthy periods leav e th e high-voltage bat -
tery connecte d to a charging station .
Consult an authorize d Mercedes-Benz Cente r if
you wish to leav e your vehicl e parked for a lon g
period of time.
Charging the 12 V battery Mercedes-AM G vehicles:
! Only use battery chargers wit h a maximum
charging voltag e of 14.4 V.
All other vehicles:
G WARNIN G
During charging and jump-starting , explosive
gase s can escape from th e battery. There is a
ris k of an explosion .
Particularly avoi d fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensur e there is sufficien t
ventilation while charging and jump-starting .
Do no t lean ove r a battery.
G WARNIN G
Battery acid is caustic. There is a ris k of injury.
Avoid contact wit h skin, eyes or clothing . Do
no t inhale any battery gases. Do no t lean ove r
th e battery. Kee p children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately wit h
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten -
tion .
G WARNIN G
A discharged battery can freez e at tempera-
tures belo w freezing point. When jump-start -374
Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases
can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
! Only use battery chargers with a maximum
charging voltage of 14.8 V.
All vehicles:
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment ( Y
page 376).X
Open the hood. X
Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in the
jump-starting procedure ( Y
page 376).
Keep away from fire and open flames. Do not
lean over a battery. Never charge the battery if it
is still installed in the vehicle, unless you use a
battery charger which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. A battery charger
unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles and tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz is available as an accessory. It permits the
charging of the battery in its installed position.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for further information and availability. Read the
battery charger's operating instructions before
charging the battery.
All vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
if the indicator/warning lamps in the instrument
cluster do not light up at low temperatures, it is
very likely that the discharged battery has fro-
zen. In this case you may neither jump-start the
vehicle nor charge the battery. The service life of
a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The start-
ing characteristics can be impaired, particularly
at low temperatures. Have the thawed- out bat -
t ery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: at low temperatures,
do not charge a battery which has been removed
using a battery charger. Allow the battery to
warm up gently first, if necessary. Otherwise,
the service life can be shortened and the start-
ing characteristics impaired, especially at low
temperatures.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if the battery
charge is sufficient, the high-voltage battery can
also supply the 12 V battery. This only happens if the condition of charge of the 12 V battery
requires this, e.g. after using electrical consum-
ers for an extended period with the engine
switched off. As the on-board voltage is contin-
uously monitored this can also be performed
when the engine is switched off. The condition of
charge of the 12 V battery and the on-board
voltage are thereby kept stable for a longer
period.
Battery (vehicle) 375
Breakdown assistance Z

Jump-starting For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point in the engine com-
partment, consisting of a positive terminal and a ground point.
All vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
G WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over the
battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of
clean water and seek medical attention.
G WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk
of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient ven-
tilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
G WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion. R
Make sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts. R
Never place metal objects or tools on a battery. R
It is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery. R
When jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected. R
It is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables. R
Never connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
G WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
If, at low temperatures, the indicator lamps/warning lamps in the instrument cluster do not light up,
it is highly likely that the discharged battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither charge the
battery nor jump-start the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The
starting characteristics can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out
battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
All vehicles:
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by the non-combusted fuel.376
Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance

Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points: R
The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-
start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device. R
You may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold. R
All vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles: do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let
the battery thaw first. R
Only jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating. R
Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps. R
If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected for
a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly. R
Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that: R
the jumper cables are not damaged. R
when the jumper cables are connected to the battery, uninsulated sections of the terminal clamp
do not come into contact with o ther metal sections.R
the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts which can move when the engine is
running, such as the V-belt pulley or the fan. X
Secure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Make sure that the ignition is switched off. All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster must be
off. When using the SmartKey, turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock and remove it
( Y
page 162). X
Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g. rear window defroster, lighting, etc. X
Open the hood.
Example: ground point cover X
Turn fasteners C one

Position number l identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-starting
device. X
Slide cover k of positive terminal