2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS air condition

or in similar situations, the automatic high-
beam headlamps will not be deactivated or
will be activated regardless. There is a risk of
an accident.
Always carefully observe the traffic conditions
and switch off the high-beam headlamps in
good time.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus is only an aid.
You are responsible for adjusting the vehicle's
lighting to the prevailing light, visibility and traf-
fic conditions.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if: R
there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy
rain or snow R
there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Plus on/off X
To switch on: turn the light switch to the
X position.X
Press the combination switch forwards
beyond the pressure point ( Y
page 125).
The

Overview of climate control systems
General notes Observe the settings recommended on the fol-
lowing pages. The windows could otherwise fog
up.
To prevent the windows from fogging up: R
switch off climate control only briefly R
switch on air-recirculation mode only briefly R
switch on the cooling with air dehumidifica-
tion function R
switch on the defrost windshield function
briefly, if required
Climate control regulates the temperature and
air humidity in the vehicle interior. The air filter
cleans the air, thus improving the interior cli-
mate.
The "Cooling with air dehumidification" function
is available only when the engine is running.
Optimum climate control is only achieved with
the side windows and roof closed.
If you start the engine using your smartphone,
the last selected climate control setting is reac-
tivated ( Y
page 147).
The residual heat function can only be activated
or deactivated with the ignition switched off
( Y
page 140).
To enable the air conditioning, pollutant moni-
toring and air filtering systems to function cor-
rectly, an interior filter must be used at all times.
Ensure that the filter is properly installed and
that the filter housing in the engine compart-
ment is correctly and tightly sealed by the cover at all times during operation. Use filters that
have been recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Always have service work car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
The integrated filter filters out most particles of
dust and soot and completely filters out pollen.
It also reduces gaseous pollutants and odors. A
clogged filter reduces the amount of air supplied
to the vehicle interior. For this reason, you
should always observe the interval for replacing
the filter, which is specified in the Maintenance
Booklet. As it depends on environmental condi-
tions, e.g. heavy air pollution, the interval may
be shorter than stated in the Maintenance Book-
let.
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period during
warm weather, e.g. using the convenience
opening feature ( Y
page 92). This will speed
up the cooling process and the desired inte-
rior t emper ature will be reached more
quickly.
i It is possible that the blower may be activa-
ted automatically 60 minutes after the Smart-
Key has been removed depending on various
factors, e.g. the outside temperature. In vehi-
cles with the KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-GO
start function, the blower can switch on auto-
matically after the engine has been switched
off and the door opened. The vehicle is then
ventilated for 30 minutes to dry the automatic
climate control.
i Hybrid vehicles: observe the notes on cli-
mate control in the separate Operator's Man-
ual.132
Overview of climate control systems
Climate control

The following conditions can affect your percep-
tion of the perfume intensity: R
operating mode of the climate control system R
interior temperature R
time of year or day R
air humidity R
physiological condition of occupants, e.g. fati-
gue or hunger
The perfume atomizer can only be operated
when the climate control system is switched on
and is only active when the glove box is closed.
The perfume atomizer is provided with a pre-fil-
led vial. You can also choose from a variety of
filled perfume vials and an empty vial which you
can fill yourself.
If you refill an empty perfume vial, observe the
separate information sheet attached to the vial.
! If you do not use genuine Mercedes-Benz
interior perfumes, observe the manufactur-
ers' safety notices on the perfume packaging.
Do not refill the pre-filled perfume vial when it is
empty. Dispose of the used vial after use. X
To insert the perfume vial: open the glove
box ( Y
page 282). X
Slide the perfume vial into the holder as far as
it will go. X
To remove the perfume vial: pull out the
perfume vial. X
To refill the perfume vial: unscrew the lid of
the empty perfume vial to refill it yourself. X
Fill the perfume vial with a maximum of
0.5 fl. oz. (15 ml) of the desired liquid per-
fume. X
Screw the lid back on to the vial.
! Only refill the vial when you are outside the
vehicle. Otherwise, liquid perfume could drip
into the interior and contaminate it.
Always refill the empty refillable vial with the
same perfume. Otherwise, you might not ach-
ieve optimum results from the perfume atom-
izer.
Problems with the perfume atomizer Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The vehicle interior is not
perfumed although the
perfume atomizer is acti-
vated. The perfume vial has not been pushed into the holder as far as it will
go. X
Slide the perfume vial into the holder as far as it will go.
The perfume vial is not filled sufficiently. X
Pre-filled vials: dispose of the empty vial.X
Use a new pre-filled vial. X
Refillable vials: fill the perfume vial with a maximum of 0.5 fl. oz.
(15 ml) of the same perfume.
The perfume atomizer is faulty. X
Have the perfume atomizer checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Ionization
You can use the "Ionization" function to purify
the air in the vehicle interior and attain an
improved interior climate.
The ionization of the interior air is odorless and
cannot be perceived directly in the vehicle inte-
rior. You can switch ionization on or off using the
multimedia system ( Y
page 274).
Ionization can only be switched on if the front
climate control system is activated. The side air
vent on the driver's side must be open.142
Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

R
the panic alarm is not activated R
the hazard warning lamps are switched off R
the hood is closed. R
the doors are closed and locked R
the windows and sliding sunroof are closed
Also make sure that: R
the fuel tank is sufficiently filled R
the starter battery is sufficiently charged
G WARNING
Limbs could be crushed or trapped if the
engine is started unintentionally during ser-
vice or maintenance work. There is a risk of
injury.
Always secure the engine against uninten-
tional starting before carrying out mainte-
nance or repair work.
Make sure that the engine cannot be started via
your smartphone before carrying out mainte-
nance or repairs. You can prevent an engine
start via your smartphone, for example, if you: R
switch on the hazard warning lamps R
do not lock the doors R
open the hood
Pulling away
General notes
G WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position D or R ,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position D or R ,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
Depress the accelerator carefully when pulling
away.
The vehicle locks centrally once you have pulled
away. The locking knobs in the doors drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time.
You can also deactivate the automatic locking
feature ( Y
page 84). It is only possible to shift the transmission from
position P to the desired position if you depress
the brake pedal. Only then is the parking lock
released.
If you do not depress the brake pedal, the
DIRECT SELECT lever can still be moved but the
parking lock remains engaged.
i Upshifts take place at higher engine speeds
after a cold start. This helps the catalytic con-
verter to reach its operating temperature
more quickly.
Information on the automatic release of the
electric parking brake ( Y
page 164).
Hill start assist Hill start assist helps you when pulling away for-
wards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It holds
the vehicle for a short time after you have
removed your foot from the brake pedal. This
gives you enough time to move your foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and to
depress it before the vehicle begins to roll.
G WARNING
After a short time, hill start assist will no lon-
ger brake your vehicle and it could roll away.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never
leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start
assist.
Hill start assist is not active if: R
you are pulling away on a level road or on a
downhill gradient. R
the transmission is in position \\ .R
the electric parking brake is applied. R
ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
ECO start/stop function
Introduction
Hybrid vehicles: observe the notes on the ECO
start/stop function in the separate operating
instructions.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is stopped
under certain conditions.148
Driving
Dr ivi ng an d parking

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
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 66)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 67).
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 equiva lent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle. Driving tips 167
Driving and parking Z

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-
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 performa nce d riving,
i
t 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.168
Driving tips
Driving an d parking

G DANGER
If th e exhaust pipe is blocke d or adequate
ventilation is no t possible, poisonous gase s
suc h as carbon monoxide (CO) may ente r th e
vehicle. This is th e case, e.g. if th e vehicl e
become s trapped in snow. There is a ris k of
fatal injury.
If you leav e th e engin e or th e auxiliary heating
running, mak e sur e th e exhaust pipe and area
around th e vehicl e are clear of snow. To
ensur e an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on th e side of th e vehicl e that is no t
facing int o th e wind.
Hav e your vehicl e winter-proofe d at a qualified
specialist workshop at th e onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slipper y roa d sur -
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration , steering and
braking maneuvers . Do no t use th e cruise con-
trol or DISTRONI C PLUS.
If th e vehicl e threaten s to skid or canno t be
stoppe d when moving at low speed:X
Shift th e transmission to position N .
The outside temperature indicator is no t
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefor e unsuitable for that purpose .
Changes in th e outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicate d temperatures jus t abov e th e freezing
poin t do no t guarantee that th e roa d surfac e is
free of ice . The roa d may s till be icy, especially in
w ooded area s or on bridges .
You should pay special attention to roa d condi-
tion s when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Fo r mor e information on drivin g wit h snow
chains, see ( Y
page 345).
Fo r mor e information on drivin g wit h summer
tires , see ( Y
page 345).
Observ e th e note s in th e "Winte r operation " sec -
tion ( Y
page 345).
Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Ben z Intelligent Drive stand s for inno-
vative driver assistanc e and safet y systems
whic h enhance comfort and support th e driver in critical situations. Wit h these intelligen t co-ordi -
nated systems Mercedes-Ben z has set a mile -
ston e on th e pat h toward s autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Ben z Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safet y in on e well
though t out system – for th e safet y of th e vehi-
cle occupant s and that of other roa d users.
Further information on drivin g safet y systems
( Y
page 65).
Cruise cont rol
Gene ra l notesCruis e control maintains a constan t roa d speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceedin g th e set speed. Change int o a lower
gear in goo d time on lon g and steep downhill
gradients . This is especially important if th e
vehicl e is laden . By doin g so, you will mak e use
of th e braking effec t of th e engine. This relieves
th e load on th e brak e system and prevents th e
brakes from overheating and wearing to o
quickly.
You can use cruise control if you wan t to drive at
a steady speed for a prolonged period of time.
You can store any roa d speed abov e 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Import ant safety notesIf you fail to adapt your drivin g style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce th e ris k of an acciden t
no r override th e laws of physics . Cruis e control
canno t tak e int o accoun t th e road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruis e control is only an
aid. You are responsibl e for maintainin g a saf e
distanc e to th e vehicl e in front, for vehicl e
speed, for braking in goo d time and for stayin g in
lane.
Do no t use cruise control :R
in roa d and traffic condition s whic h do no t
allow you to maintai n a constan t speed, e.g. in
heav y traffic or on windin g roadsR
on slipper y roa d surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could caus e th e drive wheels to lose
traction and th e vehicl e could then skidR
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog ,
heav y rain or snow
If there is a chang e of drivers, advise th e ne w
driver of th e speed stored.Driving systems 169
Driving and parking Z

Continue to driv e carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DI ST RONIC PLU S.
G WAR NING
DI ST RONIC PLUS brakes your veh icle wit h up
to 50 %o f the maximum possible deceleration.
If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC
PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There is
a risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
! When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-
tion is activated, the vehicle brakes automat-
ically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk of
an accident if you fail to adapt your driving style
nor override the laws of physics. DISTRONIC
PLUS cannot take account of road, weather and
traffic conditions. DISTRONIC PLUS is only an
aid. You are responsible for maintaining a safe
distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS: R
in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads R
on slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid R
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehi-
cles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehi-
cles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if: R
there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors R
there is snow or heavy rain R
there is interference by other radar sources R
there are strong radar reflections, for exam-
ple, in parking garages
If DISTR ONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehicle
in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may unexpectedly
accelerate the vehicle to the stored speed.
This speed may: R
be too high if you are driving in a filter lane or
an exit lane R
be so high in the right lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the left (left-hand drive coun-
tries) R
be so high in the left lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the right (right-hand drive
countries)
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
C
Activates or increases speed D
Activates or reduces speed