2016 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS towing

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

Tire bead (definition) ...................... 404
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 404
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 403
Tire size (data) ............................... 410
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 400
Tire tread ....................................... 385
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 404
Total load limit (definition) ............. 405
Traction ......................................... 399
Traction (definition) ....................... 405
Tread wear ..................................... 399
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 398
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 403
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 405
Wheel and tire combination ........... 412
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 403
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 381
Important safety notes .................. 379
Towing a trailer
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 74
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 379
Installing the towing eye ................ 380
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 381
Removing the towing eye ............... 380
Transporting the vehicle ................ 381
With both axles on the ground ....... 380
Towing eye ......................................... 367
Traffic Sign Assist
Activating ....................................... 229
Display message ............................ 303
Function/notes ............................. 229
Important safety notes .................. 229
Instrument cluster display ............. 230
Switching on/off ........................... 270
Transfer case ..................................... 177
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 381 Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 365
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 262
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 261
Resetti ng ( on-board computer) ...... 263
Trun
k
Emergency release .......................... 93
Important safety notes .................... 88
Locking separately ........................... 93
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 92
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 90
Opening/closing (from outside,
HANDS-FREE ACCESS) .................... 91
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 89
Power closing .................................. 87
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 309
Obstacle recognition ........................ 89
Opening dimensions ...................... 433
Opening/closing .............................. 88
Trunk load (maximum) ...................... 433
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 291
Switching on/off ........................... 131
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 425
Installation ..................................... 425
Transmission output (maximum) .... 425
Windshield (infrared reflective) ...... 351
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 87
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 86
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 275Index 21

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

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific 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 specialist
workshops ( Y
page 28).
Hybrid vehicles
General notes Hybrid technology combines a fuel efficient
internal combustion engine with a powerful
electric motor.
Important safety notes
Danger of electric shock
G DANGER
The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is
under high voltage. If you modify components
in the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
or touch damaged components, you may be
electrocuted. The components in the vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system may be
damaged in an accident, although the damage
is not visible. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Following an accident, do not touch any high-
voltage components and never modify the
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system. Have
the vehicle towed away after an accident and
the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
checked by a qualified specialist workshop.
When towing a vehicle after an accident, be sure
to observe the following sections: R
Transporting the vehicle ( Y
page 381)R
Towing a vehicle with both axles on the
ground ( Y
page 380)
Read the safety instructions on towing and tow-
starting ( Y
page 379). All components of the hybrid drive system are
marked with yellow warning stickers that warn
you of the danger of high voltage. The cables of
the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system are
orange in color.
The ignition must be switched off when carrying
out general tasks, such as adding washer fluid to
the windshield washer system or checking the
coolant level.
Automatic switching off of the hybrid
drive system If components of the restraint system are acti-
vated during an accident, the hybrid drive sys-
tem is automatically deactivated.
The hybrid drive system is not activated when
the vehicle is started if: R
an electrical short circuit is detected in the
hybrid drive system R
an electrical connection in the hybrid drive
system is disconnected
This ensures that you do not come into contact
with high voltage.
Manual switching off of the hybrid drive
system The hybrid drive system can be deactivated
manually using the high voltage switch-off
device.
! To prevent damage to the hybrid drive sys-
tem please observe the following instruc-
tions: R
only deactivate the hybrid drive system
manually in the following situations. R
work on the hybrid drive system may only
be carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop, even when it has been deactivated
manually.42
Hybrid vehicles
Safety

Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading guide-
lines" ( Y
page 325).
G WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There
is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
The securing systems of child restraint systems
are: R
the seat belt system R
the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings R
the Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child on
the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe the
information on the "Occupant Classification
System (OCS)" ( Y
page 53). There you will also
find information on deactivating the front-
passenger front air bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-
lowing standards: R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 225 R
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
Confirmation tha t the ch ild restraint system cor-
re
sponds to the standards can be found on an
instruction label on the child restraint system.
This confirmation can also be found in the instal-
lation instructions that are included with the
child restraint system. Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system.
Vehicles with seat belt extenders: when
securing a child in a child restraint system on a
rear seat, observe the following instructions: R
make sure that the seat belt on the child
restraint system is fastened according to the
manufacturer's installation instructions for
the child restraint system. R
for child restraint systems with a belt clamp:
engage the belt tongue in the buckle before
you tighten the seat belt using the belt clamp.
Vehicles with a rear reclining seat: when
installing a child restraint system, move the rear
reclining seat backrest to an almost vertical
position. The rear reclining seat backrest must
rest against the child restraint system. Observe
the notes on the cushion air bag ( Y
page 53).
Vehicles with belt bags: only use a child
restraint system which has been approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Always observe the i nstruc-
ti ons and safety notes on belt bags for the outer
seat belts in the rear ( Y
page 48).
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
G WARNING
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems
do not offer sufficient protective effect for
children whose weight is greater than 48 lbs
(22 kg) who are secured using the safety belt
integrated in the child restraint system. In the
event of an accident, a child might not be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child weighs more than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
systems with which the child is also secured
with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure the
child restraint system with the Top Tether
belt, if available.
Always comply with the manufacturer's instal-
lation and operating instructions for the child
restraint system used.
Before every trip, make sure that the LATCH-
type (ISOFIX) child restraint system is engaged
correctly in both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
ringsChildren in the vehicle 63
Safety Z

Engaging reverse gear R
! Only shift the automatic transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary. X
If the transmission is in position D or N : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first
point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up past the first point of resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. Further informa-
tion on the ECO start/stop function
( Y
page 166).
Shifting to neutral N
G WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users. R
get out and disrupt traffic. R
operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they: R
release the parking brake. R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position PR
Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. X
If the transmission is in position D or R : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the
first point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically. With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to P automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you t hen open
t
he driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
Using the SmartKey: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
With the Start/Stop button: X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
If the transmission is in position R or N : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first
point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever down past the first point of resistance.Automatic transmission 171
Driving and parking Z

Switch on the building protection system again
after it has been triggered. Otherwise, the
charging process cannot be continued.
General information about the charging
procedure Pay attention to the "Important safety notes"
( Y
page 180).
The vehicle socket is located in the rear bumper
on the right below the tail lamp.
The charge socket flap and the vehicle are cen-
trally locked or unlocked simultaneously.
Charging the high-voltage battery via
the electrical outlet
Charging cable for electrical outlets Important safety notes
! Only use the charging cable to charge the
high-voltage battery. Do not use the charging
cable for other purposes. It may otherwise be
damaged.
The vehicle is supplied with a country-specific
charging cable for connection to a mains socket.
Only use the charging cable supplied with the
vehicle or a charging cable approved for the
vehicle.
i If you use the supplied 12 A charging cable
to charge a high-voltage battery: R
the charge time increases considerably R
electrical consumption increases consider-
ably
Where possible, charge the high-voltage bat-
tery at a charging station ( Y
page 186). Only
then can certified electrical energy consump-
tion levels be reached.
i The charging process can vary depending on
the power supply. Therefore, always observe
the local information.
Information about charging from a wallbox can
be found at ( Y
page 185).
Information about charging at a charging station
can be found at ( Y
page 186). Stowing the charging cable The charging cable can be stowed and held in
place in the bag provided in the trunk of the
vehicle.
Controls on the charging cable
C
On-board voltage indicator D
Protective and indicator system display

Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P . Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Using the SmartKey X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition
lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
If you switch the engine off with the trans-
mission in position R or D , the automatic
transmission shifts to N automatically.
If you then open the driver's door or the front-
passenger door or remove the SmartKey from
the ignition, the automatic transmission shifts
to P automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Using the Start/Stop button X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Press the Start/Stop button ( Y
page 162)
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out. When the driver's door is closed, this corre-
sponds to SmartKey position 1 . When the
driver's door is open, this corresponds to
SmartKey position 0 : "SmartKey removed".
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically.
If you then open the driver's or front-passenger
door, the automatic transmission shifts to P
automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in an emergency
while the vehicle is in motion by pressing and
holding the Start/Stop button for three sec-
onds. This function operates independently of
the ECO start/stop automatic engine switch-off
function.
Electric parking brake
General notes
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.190
Parking
Driving and parking