warning MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2000 User Guide

85 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexSeat belt nonusage warning system
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, a
warning sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt
is not fastened.
Automatic comfort-fit seat belt:
An automatic comfort-fit feature for all seat belt is
activated when the electronic key in the starter switch is
turned to position 1 or 2.
The retraction force of the inertia reel is reduced,
increasing the level of seat belt comfort.
Note:
For cleaning and care of the seat belts see page 381.
Wa r n i n g !
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The
backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint
when the wearer is in an upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.

102 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend all infants and children be properly
restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All
lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have
special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child
restraints.
To activate, pull shoulder belt out completely and let it
retract. During the seat belt retraction a ratcheting
sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt
retractor is activated. The belt is now locked.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in
the usual manner
Note:
For child seats with mounting fittings for tether
anchorages refer to page 104 (installation of infant and
child restra int systems).Important!
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in
all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system properly
secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of
compliance with this standard can be found on the
instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside
of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.
Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will
be deactivated.

115 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Knob for instrument cluster illumination,
s e e p a g e 116
2Engine malfunction indicator lamp, see page 296
3Brake f luid low, parking brake engaged,
see page 307
4Supplemental restraint system (SRS) malfunction
indicator lamp, see page 299
5Coolant temperature gauge, see page 117
6Outside temperature indicator, see page 117
7Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp, see page 299
8Left turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch, see page 160
9Speedometer, see page 118
10Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp,
system is adjusting to road conditions, see page 301
11Distance warning lamp – vehicles with Distronic
(DTR), distance to the vehicle ahead is insufficient,
see page 267 and 301.12Multifunction display, see page 120
Instrument cluster display, see page 303
13Trip odometer, see page 119 and 124
14Main odometer, see page 124
15Right turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch, page 160
16Tachometer, see page 119
17Gear range indicator display, see selector lever
positions, page 236
18Digital clock
To set the time, see COMAND operator’s manual
19Antilock brake system (ABS) malfunction indicator
lamp, see page 300
20High beam headlamp indicator,
see exterior lamp switch on page 156, and
combination switch on page 160
21Fasten seat belts, see page 302
22Reset button J, see pages 116, 119

117 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Coolant temperature gauge (5)
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Outside temperature indicator (6)
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper
area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by
road or engine heat during idling or slow driving. This
means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature
can only be verified by comparison to a thermometer
placed next to the sensor, not by comparison to external
displays (e.g. bank signs etc.).
Adaption to ambient temperature takes place in steps
and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-
and-go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of
temperature change.
Note:
The temperature indicator display can be set to read out
in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. See page 138.
Wa r n i n g !
• Driving when your engine is badly overheated
can cause some fluids which may have leaked
into the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.• Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns and can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if
you see or hear steam coming from it. Turn off
the engine, get out of the vehicle and do not
stand near the vehicle until it cools down.
Wa r n i n g !
The outside temperature indicator is not designed
to serve as an Ice-Warning Device and is therefore
unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated
temperatures just above the freezing point do not
guarantee that the road surface is free of ice.

136 Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Transferring values from the previous journey to the
“AFTER START” short distance memory (1):
The “AFTER START” display will flash until a distance of
approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) has been covered or two
minutes have elapsed since the engine was restarted.
During this period you can incorporate the values for
the previous journey by pressing button Jin the
instrument cluster.
To reset the short “AFTER START” (1) or long
“AFTER RESET” distance memory (2):
Call up the relevant display (1 or 2) using the j or
k button and press the Jbutton in the
instrument cluster until the values are reset to “0”.Malfunction /warning message memory
1There are no messages stored in the system.
2Number of messages stored in the system.

137 Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Press the è or ÿ button repeatedly until the
message memory (1 or 2) is displayed.
Press the j or k button if display (2) appears.
The stored messages will now be displayed in order.
See page 303 for malfunction and warning messages.
Display (2) will reappear after you have scanned all the
malfunction and warning messages.
Should any malfunction or warning messages be stored
while driving, they will reappear in the display (2) when
the electronic key is in starter switch position 0 or
removed from the starter switch.
The malfunction or warning messages will now be
displayed for approximately 5 seconds each. Pressing
the Jbutton in the instrument cluster displays the
next malfunction and warning message immediately.The message memory will be cleared when the
electronic key is turned in the starter switch to
position 1 or 2. Should any subsequent faults occur,
they will be displayed in the message memory.
Pressing the è or ÿ button displays the next or
previous system.
Important!
Malfunction and warning messages are only indicated
for certain systems and displayed to a low level of detail.
The malfunction and warning messages are simply a
reminder with respect to the operation of certain
systems and do not replace the driver’s responsibility to
maintain the vehicle’s operating safety by having all
required maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle and by bringing the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the malfunction and
warning messages. See page 303.

147 Flexible service system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Flexible service system (FSS)
(service indicator)
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is
directly related to the operating conditions of the
vehicle.
The symbol 9 or ½ appears together with a
message in the multifunction indicator prior to the next
suggested service.
Depending on operating conditions throughout the year,
the next service is calculated and displayed in days or
distance remaining.The message is displayed for approximately 10 seconds
when turning the electronic key in starter switch to
position 2, or while driving when reaching the service
warning threshold.
The symbols and messages indicate the type of service
to be performed:
9Service A
½Service B
One of the following messages will appear in the display
(e.g. Service A):
“SERVICE A – IN xx DAYS”
“SERVICE A – IN xx MILES” (Canada: KM)
“SERVICE A – EXCEEDED BY xx DAYS”
“SERVICE A – EXCEEDED BY xx MILES” (Canada: KM)
“SERVICE A – PERFORM SERVICE”
The next service due date is displayed either in days or
in miles, depending on your driving style.
Once the suggested service term has passed, the symbol
and message appear for approximately 30 seconds and
a signal sounds every time when turning the electronic
key in starter switch to position 2.
P54.30-2768-26

150 Tire inflation pressure monitor
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tire inflation pressure monitor
The tire inflation pressure, as selected by the driver, is
monitored in all four wheels on the ground. A warning
is issued to the driver in the case of a decrease in the
inflation pressure in one or more of the tires.Inquiry of present tire inflation pressure
Turn electronic key in starter switch to position 1 or 2.
Press è or ÿ button on the multifunction
steering wheel until the display for trip and main
odometer appears, see page 124.
Press the j or k button repeatedly until the tire
inflation pressure monitor is displayed.
The present tire inflation pressure for each wheel is
displayed in multifunction display.
Wa r n i n g !
The tire inflation pressure monitor does not
indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation
pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure
according to the label affixed on the fuel filler flap.
See page 348 for tire inflation pressure.The tire inflation pressure monitor is not able to
issue a warning due to a sudden loss of pressure
(e.g. tire puncture caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the service brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.

153 Tire inflation pressure monitor
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
To ensure proper functioning of the tire inflation
pressure monitor, the tire inflation pressure should be
checked and corrected according to the label affixed
inside the fuel filler flap. For a detailed description,
refer to page 348.
The message “TYRE PRESS. CONTROL – REACTIVATE”
appears if the tire inflation pressure shows an increase
of 4.4 psi (0.3 bar) or more. Reactivate the tire inflation
pressure monitor.
The tire inflation pressure monitor only functions on
wheels equipped with the proper electronic sensors.
Inquire at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
retrofitting other than original Mercedes-Benz wheels
with electronic sensors.Transporting a deflated road wheel in the vehicle, e.g.
after having a flat, the tire inflation pressure monitor
should only be activated once the flat tire and rim are
removed from the vehicle. Otherwise the monitor
displays the message “TYRE PRESS. CONTROL –
CURRENTLY INACTIVE”.
To prevent possible damage to the electronic sensors,
have tire changes only performed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
For malfunction and warning messages, see page 303.

155 Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index One of the following messages will subsequently appear
on the indicator:
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – O.K.”
No oil needs to be added.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.0 QUART”
(Canada: 1.0 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.5 QUART”
(Canada: 1.5 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 2.0 QUART”
(Canada: 2.0 L)
See “Checking engine oil level”, on page 334 for
instructions on adding engine oil.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – REDUCE OIL LEVEL”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could
cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The “MEASURING NOT POSSIBLE” message will be
displayed if a proper oil level check cannot be
performed. The engine oil level check can be repeated
after a short while.S 430, S 500 and S 55 AMG only:
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick, if it
cannot be completed via the multifunction display.
See “Checking engine oil level”, page 334.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes:
See malfunction and warning messages on page 303
and page 318 if an engine oil level indicator appears in
the multifunction display when the engine is running.
The engine oil level cannot be checked while the engine
is running. The “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – NOT WHEN
ENGINE ON” message will appear.
Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made
after the break-in period. During the break-in period,
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal.
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in
increased consumption.