2016 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS brake fluid

Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 283
Notes ............................................. 430
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 291
Brake pedal
Pedal resistance/pedal travel .......... 44
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 68
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 72
BAS .................................................. 69
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist ............................................... 69
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 430
Display message ............................ 278
EBD .................................................. 75
High-performance brake system .... 196
Hill start assist ............................... 165
HOLD function ............................... 208
Important safety notes .................. 194
Maintenance .................................. 195
Parking brake ................................ 190
RBS warning lamp .......................... 315
Recuperative Brake System ............. 44
Riding tips ...................................... 194
Warning lamp ................................. 315
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 367
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 35
Buttons on the steering wheel ......... 257
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Camera
see 360° camera see Rear view camera
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 363
Car wash ........................................ 359
Carpets .......................................... 366
Display ........................................... 364
Exhaust pipe .................................. 363
Exterior lights ................................ 362
Gear or selector lever .................... 365
General notes ................................ 359
Interior ........................................... 364
Matte finish ................................... 361
Night View Assist Plus ................... 364
Paint .............................................. 361
Plastic trim .................................... 364
Power washer ................................ 360
Rear view camera .......................... 363
Roof lining ...................................... 366
Seat belt ........................................ 366
Seat cover ..................................... 365
Sensors ......................................... 362
Steering wheel ............................... 365
Trim pieces .................................... 365
Washing by hand ........................... 360
Wheels ........................................... 361
Windows ........................................ 362
Wiper blades .................................. 362
Wooden trim .................................. 365
CD player (on-board computer) ........ 266
Center console
Overview .......................................... 37
Stowage space .............................. 326
Center console in the rear com-
partment
Stowage compartment .................. 327
Central locking
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 79
Changing the media source ............. 265
Charging
see Charging the high-voltage bat-
tery (important safety notes)
Charging cable
Connecting .................................... 185
Controls ......................................... 183
Important safety notes .................. 183
Indicator lamp ................................ 184 Index 5

Cleaning the cover ........................ .3 65
Correct driver's seat position ....... .1 04
Display message ............................ 310
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT system ............. 122
Important safety notes .................. 105
Multicontour seat .......................... 117
Seat heating .................................. 118
Seat heating problem .................... 119
Seat ventilation .............................. 119
Seat ventilation problem ................ 120
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 126
Switching seat heating on/off ....... 118
Switching seat ventilation on/off .. 119
Section
Wheels and tires ............................ 384
Securing a load
see Securing cargo
Securing cargo .................................. 329
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 365
see Automatic transmission
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 362
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .2 69
Service message
see ASSYST PLUS
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 430
Coolant (engine) ............................ 431
Engine oil ....................................... 429
Fuel ................................................ 428
Important safety notes .................. 427
Refrigerant (air-conditioning sys-
tem) ............................................... 432
Washer fluid ................................... 431
Setting the charge current (on-
board computer) ............................... 272
Setting the departure time (on-
board computer) ............................... 272
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 275
On-board computer ....................... 269
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 276
Side impact air bag ............................ .5 2
Side marker lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 292 Side windows
Cleaning ........................... .............. 362
Convenience closing feature ............ 96
Convenience opening feature ......... .9 5
Importa nt safety information ........... 94
Opening/closing .............................. 95
Problem (malfunction) .................... .9 7
Resettin g ........................................ .9 6
Reversin g feature ............................ .9 4
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 82
Changing the programming ............ .8 1
Checking the battery ...................... .8 2
Convenience closing feature ............ 96
Convenience opening feature .......... 95
Display message ............................ 312
Door central locking/unlocking ...... .7 9
Important safety notes .................... 79
KEYLESS-GO start function .............. 81
Loss ................................................ .8 4
Mechanical key ................................ 81
Overview .......................................... 79
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 162
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 84
Starting the engine ........................ 164
Smartphone
Starting the engine ........................ 164
Snow chains ...................................... 386
Sockets
Center console .............................. 336
General notes ................................ 336
Rear compartment ........................ .3 37
Trunk ............................................. 337
Special seat belt retractor .................. 62
Specialist workshop ............................ 28
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the addi-
tional speedometer ........................ 274
Digital ............................................ 263
In the Instrument cluster ................. 33
Selecting the display unit .............. .2 74
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 29218
Index

VVanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 333
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 29
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 308
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 269
Limited Warranty ............................. 29
Loading .......................................... 394
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 79
Lowering ........................................ 409
Maintenance .................................... 26
Operating safety .............................. 27
Parking .......................................... 189
Parking for a long period ................ 192
Pulling away ................................... 165
Raising ........................................... 406
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 406
Towing away .................................. 379
Transporting .................................. 381
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 87
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 79
Vehicle data ................................... 433
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 433
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 88
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 426
Vehicle level
Active Body Control ABC ............... 210
AIRMATIC ...................................... 212
Display message ............................ 300
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 367
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 267
VIN
Type plate ...................................... 426
W
Warning
Stickers ........................................... 42
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 316 Brakes ........................................... 315
Check Engine ................................. 320
Coolant .......................................... 320
Distance warning ........................... 322
ESP ®
.............................................. 317
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 319
Fuel tank ........................................ 320
General notes ................................ 313
Hybrid drive system ....................... 315
Overview .......................................... 34
Parking brake ................................ 319
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 46
RBS (Recuperative Brake Sys-
tem) ............................................... 315
Reserve fuel ................................... 320
Restraint system ............................ 319
Seat belt ........................................ 313
Steering ......................................... 324
Tire pressure monitor .................... 323
Warranty .............................................. 25
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 311
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 412
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 409
Wheel chock ...................................... 406
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 405
Checking ........................................ 385
Cleaning ......................................... 361
General notes ................................ 410
Important safety notes .................. 384
Information on driving .................... 384
Interchanging/changing ................ 405
Mounting a new wheel ................... 409
Mounting a wheel .......................... 406
Removing a wheel .......................... 408
Snow chains .................................. 386
Storing ........................................... 405
Tightening torque ........................... 409
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 410
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 288
Operation ......................................... 53
Windows
see Side windows22
Index

These data memories temporarily or perma-
nently store technical information about: R
vehicle's operating state R
incidents R
malfunctions
In general, this technical information docu-
ments the state of a component, a module, a
system or the surroundings.
These include, for example: R
operating conditions of system components,
e.g. fluid levels R
the vehicle's status messages and those of its
individual components, e.g. number of wheel
revolutions/speed, deceleration in move-
ment, lateral acceleration, accelerator pedal
position R
malfunctions and defects in important system
components, e.g. lights, brakes R
vehicle reactions and operating conditions in
special driving situations, e.g. air bag deploy-
ment, intervention of stability control sys-
tems R
ambient conditions, e.g. outside temperature
This data is of an exclusively technical nature
and can be used to: R
assist in recognizing and rectifying malfunc-
tions and defects R
analyze vehicle functions, e.g. after an acci-
dent R
optimize vehicle function
The data cannot be used to trace the vehicle's
movements.
When your vehicle is serviced, technical infor-
mation can be read from the event data memory
and malfunction data memory.
Services include, for example: R
repair services R
service processes R
warranties R
quality assurance
The vehicle is read out by employees of the ser-
vice network (including the manufacturer) using
special diagnostic testers. More detailed infor-
mation is obtained from it, if required.
After a malfunction has been rectified, the infor-
mation is deleted from the malfunction memory
or is continually overwritten.
When operating the vehicle, situations are con-
ceivable in which this technical data, in connec- tion with other information (if necessary, under
consultation with an authorized expert), could
be traced to a person.
Examples include: R
accident reports R
damage to the vehicle R
witness statements
Further additional functions that have been con-
tractually agreed upon with the customer allow
certain vehicle data to be conveyed by the vehi-
cle as well. The additional functions include, for
example, vehicle location in case of an emer-
gency.
COMAND/mbrace If the vehicle is equipped with COMAND or
mbrace, additional data about the vehicle's
operation, the use of the vehicle in certain sit-
uations, and the location of the vehicle may be
compiled through COMAND or the mbrace sys-
tem.
For additional information please refer to the
COMAND User Manual or the Digital Operator's
Manual and/or the mbrace Terms and Condi-
tions.
Event data recorders This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). This vehicle is equipped with an
event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of
an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag deploy-
ment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle's systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems
for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record
such data as: R
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating R
Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened R
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal and R
How fast the vehicle was traveling.30
Introduction

Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise 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 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 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 ®
sys-
tem operates automatically. The engine and
the ignition must therefore be switched off
(the SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 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 qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
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 functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 69)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 69).
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
discs, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake discs. 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 corre- Driving tips 195
Driving and parking Z

sponds 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 Mercedes-AMG vehicles.
The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on: R
Speed R
Braking force R
Environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An
aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain more information on this from a
qualified specialist workshop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performance driving,
it is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if: R
you drive at low speeds R
the tires have adequate tread depth For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner: R
lower your speed R
avoid ruts R
avoid sudden steering movements R
brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving through
it. Drive slowly through standing water. Oth-
erwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or
the engine compartment. This can damage
the electronic components in the engine or
the automatic transmission. Water can also
be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles
and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
G DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.196
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
I (USA
only)
$ ( Canada
only)
Parkin g Brake Inop‐
erativ e The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. The red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te n seconds
after th e electric parking brak e has been applie d or released. It then
goe s out or remain s lit .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning , e.g. because of over-
voltag e or undervoltage. X
Remove th e caus e for th e overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging th e battery or restarting th e engine.X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If it remain s impossible to apply or release th e electric parking brake:X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be applied:X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up and th e red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
It is no t possibl e to apply th e electric parking brak e manually.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
' (USA
only)
M ( Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is no t enough brak e flui d in th e brak e fluid reservoir .
In addition , th e ' (US A only) or M (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up in th e instrumen t cluste r and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNIN G
The braking effec t may be impaired.
There is a ris k of an accident.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions. Do no t continu e drivin g
under any circumstances. X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 189).X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .X
Do no t add brak e fluid . This does no t correc t th e malfunction .
& Check Brake Pad Wea r The brak e pads/linings hav e reached their wear limit.
US A only: th e red ' brak e system warning lamp also lights up while
th e engin e is running. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
S Inoperative On e or mor e main features of th e mbrace system are malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .Display messages 28 3
On-board computer and displays Z

Warning/
indicator
lamp Q Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
'M
Q ' (USA only) or M (Canada only): the red brake system warning lamp is
lit while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident. X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances. X
Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y
page 189).X
Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not correct the malfunction. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
'
Q USA only: the red brake system warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The multifunction display also shows a display message with the & symbol.
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
%
Q The yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is deactivated due to a malfunction. Therefore BAS
(Brake Assist), BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST PLUS, ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program), PRE ‑ SAFE ®
, PRE ‑ SAFE ®
PLUS,
PRE ‑ SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function, Hill Start Assist, Crosswind Assist, STEER
CONTROL, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are also deac-
tivated.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance in an emergency braking situation can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident. X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display. X
Drive on carefully. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other systems, such
as the navigation system or the automatic transmission, will not be available.316
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays