2016 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class SEDAN instrument cluster

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.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and
Ryou 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 0or 1in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0or 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 0or 1in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0or 1) if:
Rthe electric parking brake is tested using a
brake dynamometer.
Rthe 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) (
Ypage 69)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) (Ypage 69).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings:
Rbrake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz
Rbrake 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.
Shoc
k-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 tips195
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. Thiswill depend on:
RSpeed
RBraking force
REnvironmental 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:
Ryou drive at low speeds
Rthe 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:
Rlower your speed
Ravoid ruts
Ravoid sudden steering movements
Rbrake 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
GWARNING
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.
GDANGER
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.
196Driving tips
Driving and parking

Rthat are parallel to the direction of travel andat least 39.5 in (1.0 m)longer than your vehi-
cle
Rthat are at right angles to the direction of
travel and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) wider than
your vehicle
iNote that Active Parking Assist cannot
measure the size of a parking space if it is at
right angles to the direction of travel. You will
need to judge whether your vehicle will fit into the parking space.
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you will see the parking symbol as a
status indicator in the instrument cluster. When
a parking space has been detected, an arrow
towards the right or the left also appears. By
default, Active Parking Assist only displays park-
ing spaces on the front-passenger side. Parking
spaces on the driver's side are displayed as
soon as the turn signal on the driver's side is
activated. When parking on the driver's side,
this must remain switched on until you acknowl-
edge the use of Active Parking Assist by press-
ing the abutton on the multifunction steer-
ing wheel. The system automatically determines
whether the parking space is parallel or at right
angles to the direction of travel.
A parking space is displayed while you are driv-
ing past it, and until you are approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Parking
GWARNING
If you leave the vehicle when it is only being
braked by Active Parking Assist it could roll
away if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected.
Rthe accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it
against rolling away.
iWhen PARKTRONIC detects obstacles,
Active Parking Assist brakes automatically
during the parking process. You are respon-
sible for braking in good time.
XStop the vehicle when the parking space sym- bol shows the desired parking space in the
instrument cluster.
XShift the transmission to position R.
The Start
ParkAssist?Yes:OKNo:%
message appears in the multifunction display.
XTo cancel the procedure: press the%
button on the multifunction steering wheel or
pull away.
or
XTo park using Active Parking Assist: press
the a button on the multifunction steering
wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and BrakeObserve Surroundingsmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
XLet go of the multifunction steering wheel.
XBack up the vehicle, being ready to brake at all
times. When backing up, drive at a speed
below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Oth-
erwise Active Parking Assist will be canceled.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill when the vehicle approaches the
rear border of the parking space.
Maneuvering may be required in tight parking spaces.
The Park
AssistActiveSelect DObserveSurroundingsmessage appears in the multi-
function display.
XShift the transmission to position Dwhile the
vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and BrakeObserve Surroundingsmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
iYou will achieve the best results by waiting
for the steering procedure to complete before
pulling away.
XDrive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill.
The Park
AssistActiveSelect RObserveSurroundingsmessage appears in the multi-
function display.
218Driving systems
Driving and parking

example when you recognize that it is already
possible to pull out of the parking space.
Canceling Active Parking Assist
XStop the movement of the multifunction
steering wheel or steer yourself.
Active Parking Assist will be canceled at once.
ThePark Assist Canceled
message
appears in the multifunction display.
or
XPress the PARKTRONIC button (Ypage 215).
PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active Park-
ing Assist is immediately canceled. The Park
Assist Canceledmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
Active Parking Assist is canceled automatically
if:
Rthe electric parking brake is engaged
Rtransmission position Pis selected
Rparking using Active Parking Assist is no lon-
ger possible
Ryou are driving faster than 6 mph (10 km/ h)
Ra wheel spins, ESP®intervenes or fails. The
÷ warning lamp lights up in the instrument
cluster
A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol dis-
appears and the multifunction display shows the
Park Assist Canceled
message.
When Active Parking Assist is canceled, you
must steer and brake again yourself.
If a system malfunction occurs, the vehicle is
braked to a standstill. To drive on, depress the
accelerator again.
Rear view camera
General notes
Rear view camera :is in the trunk lid handle.
Rear view camera :is an optical parking and
maneuvering aid. It shows the area behind the
vehicle with guide lines in the multimedia sys-
tem.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear view mirror.
iThe text shown in the multimedia system
depends on the language setting. The follow- ing are examples of rear view camera displays
in the multimedia system.
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your immedi-
ate surroundings. You are always responsible
for safe maneuvering and parking. When maneu-
vering or parking, make sure that there are no
persons, animals or objects in the area in whichyou are maneuvering.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function in
a limited manner:
Rif the trunk lid is open
Rin heavy rain, snow or fog
Rat night or in very dark places
Rif the camera is exposed to very bright light
Rif the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
Rif the camera lens fogs up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a rapid
change in temperature
Rif the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
Rif the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
The field of vision and other functions of the rear view camera may be restricted due to additional
accessories on the rear of the vehicle (e.g.
license plate holder, bicycle rack).
The guide lines on the multimedia system show
the distances to your vehicle. The distances only
apply to road level.
iThe rear view camera is protected from rain-
drops and dust by means of a flap. When the
r
ear view camera is activated, this flap opens.
220Driving systems
Driving and parking

Assist is adapted accordingly and the driver is
warned earlier.
When ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated, the
ésymbol appears in the multifunction dis-
play in the assistance graphic display.
When ATTENTION ASSIST has been deactivated,
it is automatically reactivated after the engine
has been stopped. The sensitivity selected cor-
responds to the last selection activated (stand-
ard/sensitive).
Warning in the multifunction display
If fatigue or increasing lapses in concentration
are detected, a warning appears in the multi-
function display: ATTENTION ASSIST
Take aBreak!.
In addition to the message shown in the multi-
function display, you will then hear a warning
tone.
XIf necessary, take a break.
XConfirm the message by pressing the a
button on the steering wheel.
On long journeys, take regular breaks in good
time to allow yourself to rest properly. If you do not take a break and ATTENTION ASSIST con-
tinues to detect increasing lapses in concentra-
tion, you will be warned again after 15 minutes
at the earliest. This will only happen if ATTEN-
TION ASSIST still detects typical indicators of
fatigue or increasing lapses in concentration.
If a warning is given in the multifunction display,
the multimedia system offers a service station
search. You can select a service station and
navigation to this service station will then begin.
This function can be activated and deactivated
in the multimedia system.
Traffic Sign Assist
General notes
Traffic Sign Assist displays the maximum speed
permitted to the driver in the instrument cluster.
The data and general traffic regulations stored in
the navigation system are used to determine the
current speed limit.
Traffic Sign Assist is a map-based system, and
for this reason, traffic signs put up temporarily
(e.g. near roadworks) are not detected. If a traffic sign that is relevant to your vehicle is
passed, the display of the speed limits is upda-
ted.
Traffic signs with a restriction indicated by an
additional sign (e.g. in wet conditions) are also
shown.
The traffic signs are only displayed with the
restrictions if:
Rthe regulation must be observed with the
restriction, or
RTraffic Sign Assist is unable to determine
whether the restriction applies
If Traffic Sign Assist is unable to determine a
maximum permitted speed from any of the avail-
able sources, no speed limit is displayed in the
instrument cluster either.
Traffic Sign Assist is not available in all coun-
tries. In this case, symbol :is shown in the
assistance graphic display (
Ypage 268).
Important safety notes
Traffic Sign Assist is only an aid and is not always
able to correctly display speed limits. Traffic
signs always have priority over the Traffic Sign
Assist display.
The system may be either functionally impaired
or temporarily unavailable if the information in
the digital street map of the navigation system is
incorrect or out of date.
Activating Traffic Sign Assist
XActivate the Traffic Sign Assist display using
the on-board computer (Ypage 270).
If you have activated the Traffic Sign Assist dis-
play in the on-board computer, the traffic regu-
lations (speed limits and overtaking restrictions)
are displayed in the instrument cluster for five
seconds respectively. The wrong-way warning
Driving systems229
Driving an d parking
Z

and the traffic sign display for speed limits and
overtaking restrictions remain active even when
the display has been deactivated.
Instrument cluster display
Displaying the assistance graphic
XCall up the assistance graphics display func-
tion using the on-board computer
(
Ypage 268).
XSelect the Traffic Sign Assist display.
Detected traffic signs are displayed in the
instrument cluster.
Speed limit with unknown restriction
:Maximum permitted speed
;Maximum permitted speed for vehicles for
which the restriction in the additional sign isrelevant
=Additional sign for unknown restriction
A maximum permitted speed of 80 mph
(80 km/h) and a speed limit of 60 km/h
(60 mph) with an unknown restriction apply.
Speed limits in wet conditions
:Maximum permitted speed
;Additional signs for wet conditions A maximum permitted speed of 80 mph
(80 km/h) applies in wet conditions and if Traffic
Sign Assist has determined that the restriction
must be observed.
Canceling the speed limit
The speed limit no longer applies
:.
iThe unit for the speed limit (km/h or mph)
depends on the country in which you are driv-
ing. It is generally neither shown on the traffic
sign nor on the instrument cluster but must be
taken into account when observing the max-
imum permitted speed.
Night View Assist Plus
General notes
In addition to the illumination provided by the
normal headlamps, Night View Assist Plus uses
infrared light to illuminate the road. Night View
Assist Plus camera ;picks up the infrared light
and displays a monochrome image in the multi-
function display. The image shown in the display
corresponds to a road lit up by high-beam head-
lamps. This enables you to see the road's course
and any obstacles in good time. When pedes-
trian recognition is active, pedestrians recog-
230Driving systems
Driving and parking

PLUG‑IN HYBRID operation
Points to remember
General notes
Hybrid technology combines a fuel efficient
internal combustion engine with a powerful
electric motor. In HYBRIDmode, the hybrid
drive system automatically selects the most effi-
cient operating mode for every driving situation. Drive the vehicle in the usual manner.
To save fuel in HYBRIDmode, the hybrid drive
system switches off the combustion engine as
often as possible during the journey when power
output requirements are low. When power out-
put requirements are low, the electric motor
powers the vehicle. The combustion engine is
automatically activated when power output
requirements are high. The engine is usually
switched off when the vehicle is stationary. Con-
sequently, there is usually no engine idling as
with combustion engine vehicles.
For pulling away and accelerating, the electric
motor supports the internal combustion engine
using the power stored in the high-voltage bat-
tery. In addition, the power is used for partially
electric driving, operation of the electric coolant
compressor and to support the 12 V on-board
electrical system. In this way the hybrid drive
system helps to reduce your vehicle's fuel con-
sumption.
Observe the driving tips on PLUG-IN HYBRID
operation (
Ypage 251).
Recuperative Brake System
If you release the accelerator pedal when the
vehicle is in motion, overrun recuperation is ini-
tiated. The electric motor is operated as a gen-
erator when in overrun mode and when you
brake. Hybrid technology converts the kinetic
energy of the vehicle into electricity and stores
it in the high-voltage battery.
Observe the important safety notes for the
Recuperative Brake System (
Ypage 44).
Important safety notes
If the engine is switched off by the ECO start/
stop function and you open the driver's door:
Ra message appears in the multifunction dis-
play and
Ra warning tone sounds
Further information (
Ypage 297).
All of the vehicle's systems remain active, if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe combustion engine is switched off and
Rthe READY indicator in the instrument cluster
lights up
If you remove your foot from the brake pedal
while in transmission position D or R, the vehicle
may pull away automatically.
Observe the notes on the READY display of the
ECO start/stop function (
Ypage 252).
Vehicles with an electric motor generate much
less driving noise than vehicles with internal
combustion engines. As a result, your vehicle
may not be heard by other road users in certain
situations.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment and
country-specific regulations, the vehicle can be
equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Indication.
Acoustic Vehicle Indication generates a certain
sound at a speed between 0 and 19 mph
(30 km/h). This helps other road users, partic-
ularly pedestrians and cyclists, to hear your
vehicle better. The sound can also be heard
inside the vehicle.
The volume depends on the engine speed. The
faster you accelerate, the louder the sound is. At
a speed of over 19 mph (30 km/h) the sound is switched off. Above this speed, the natural
sounds from the vehicle are sufficient that it can
be heard in good time by other road users.
240PLUG‑IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking

Instrument cluster
:Recuperative Brake Systemwarning lamp (Ypage 315)
;Electric motor performance display (Ypage 242)
=Condition of charge display for high-voltage battery (Ypage 245)
?Drivingmod edisplay (Ypage 243)
AElectrical range
Displays and operation
Electric motor performance display
The power display for th eelectric motor is loca-
te don th eright-hand side of th einstrumen t
cluster.
The curren tcondition of charge of th ehigh-volt -
age battery is shown as apercentage in condi-
tion of charge display A.100% correspond sto
th ehighest possible charge level of th ehigh -
voltag ebattery. Ther
eare two further areas locate dto th elef t
and right of condition of charge display A:
RArea:to; (E-DRIVE):
This shows th eelectric output from th eelec -
tric motor, e.g. during electric operation or in
boos tmode.
When th emotor is switched on ,th edisplay is
at lower limi t;. Withincreasing pressur eon
th eaccelerato rpedal th edisplay fill sup
from ;to:.
Driving with th eelectri cmotor: when th e
display reaches upper limi t:, thecombus -
tion engin eis switched on .If th edisplay is
approachin gupper limi t: and you remove
your foo tfrom th eaccelerato rpedal ,th edis-
play empties again .The combustion engin eis
no tswitched on .At low speeds, you can
thereby control th eelectric operation usage
so that you only driv ein electric mode.
Driving with th ecombustion engine: the
electric motor support sth ecombustion
engin eby providing addit iona
l torque (boost
mode) until th edisplay reaches upper
limi t:.
242PLUG‑ IN HYBRID operation
Driving and parking