engine MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2017 Owner's Manual

ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 66).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction, i.e.
power transmission between the tires and the
road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating from
the direction desired by the driver, one or more
wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. The
engine output is also modified to keep the vehi-
cle on the desired course within physical limits.
ESP ®
assists the driver when pulling away on
wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize
the vehicle during braking.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 66).
ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
. On vehicles
with 4MATIC, 4ETS is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is transfer-
red to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If the

i The immobilizer is always deactivated when
you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be started
(yet the vehicle's battery is charged), the sys-
tem is not operational. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (anti-theft alarm system) X
To arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp C flashes. The alarm system
is armed after approximately ten seconds. X
To disarm: unlock the vehicle with the Smart-
Key or KEYLESS-GO.
or X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button.
The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open: R
a door R
the vehicle with the mechanical key R
the trunk lid R
the hood X
To stop the alarm with the SmartKey:
press the 6 or 7 button on the Smart-
Key.
The alarm is stopped.
or X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The alarm is stopped. X
To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The SmartKey
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is stopped.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The SmartKey must be inside the vehi-
cle.
The alarm is stopped.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you close
the open door that triggered it, for example.
i If the alarm continues for more than
30 seconds, the mbrace emergency call sys-
tem automatically notifies the Customer
Assistance Center. This is done either by text
message or data connection.
The emergency call system sends a message
or establishes a data connection provided
that: R
you have subscribed to the mbrace service. R
the mbrace service has been activated
properly. R
the necessary mobile phone network is
available.76
Protection against theft
Safety

SmartKey
Important safety notes
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.
G WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey, the SmartKey could be uninten-
tionally turned in the ignition lock. This could
cause the engine to be switched off. There is a
risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey. Remove any bulky key rings before
inserting the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
! Keep the SmartKey away from strong mag-
netic fields. Otherwise, the remote control
function could be affected.
Strong magnetic fields can occur in the vicin-
ity of powerful electrical installations.
Do not keep the SmartKey: R
with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another SmartKey. R
with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil. R
inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case.
This can affect the functionality of the Smart-
Key. Do not keep the SmartKey in the temperature-
controlled cup holder ( Y
page 292). On vehicles
with the KEYLESS-GO start function, do not
keep it on the parcel shelf or in the trunk. Oth-
erwise, the SmartKey may not be detected, e.g.
when starting the engine using the Start/Stop
button.
A brief radio connection between the vehicle
and the SmartKey determines whether a valid
SmartKey is in, or in the direct vicinity of, the
vehicle. This occurs, for example: R
when starting the engine R
while driving R
when using HANDS-FREE ACCESS R
when the external door handles are touched R
during convenience closing
SmartKey functions
C
7 Locks the vehicleD
T Opens/closes the trunk lid

signal can be activated and deactivated via the
multimedia system; see the Digital Operator's
Manual.
You will receive visual and acoustic locking con-
firmation if all components were able to be
locked.
When the locator lighting is activated via the
multimedia system, it lights up when it is dark
after the vehicle is unlocked with the SmartKey;
see the Digital Operator's Manual. X
To open the trunk lid automatically from
outside the vehicle: press and hold the T
button until the trunk lid opens. X
To open the trunk lid automatically from
outside the vehicle: if the SmartKey is loca-
ted in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle,
press the T button on the SmartKey.
When the trunk lid closes you can then
release the button.
KEYLESS-GO
General notes Bear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a Smart-
Key in the vehicle ( Y
page 147).
Locking/unlocking centrally You can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO. To do this, you only need carry the
SmartKey with you. You can combine the func-
tions of KEYLESS-GO with those of a conven-
tional SmartKey. Unlock the vehicle by using
KEYLESS-GO, for instance, and lock it using the
7 button on the SmartKey.
The driver's door and the door at which the han-
dle is used, must both be closed. The SmartKey
must be outside the vehicle. When locking or
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO, the distance
between the SmartKey and the corresponding
door handle must not be greater than 3 ft (1 m).
A brief radio connection between the vehicle
and the SmartKey determines whether a valid
SmartKey is in, or in the direct vicinity of, the
vehicle. This occurs, for example: R
when starting the engine R
while driving R
when using HANDS-FREE ACCESS R
when the external door handles are touched R
during convenience closing
X
To unlock the vehicle: touch the inner sur-
face of the door handle. X
To lock the vehicle: touch sensor surface C
or D .
Make sure that you do not touch the inner
surface of the door handle. X
Convenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface D for an extended
period.
Further information on the convenience clos-
ing feature ( Y
page 92). X
To unlock the trunk lid: pull the handle on
the trunk lid.
Deactivating and activating If you do not intend to use a SmartKey for an
extended period of time, you can deactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function of the SmartKey. The
SmartKey will then use very little power, thereby
conserving battery power. For the purposes of
activation/deactivation, the vehicle must not be
nearby. X
To deactivate: press the 7 button on the
SmartKey twice in rapid succession.
The battery check lamp ( Y
page 80) of the
SmartKey flashes twice briefly and lights up
once, then KEYLESS-GO is deactivated. X
To activate: press any button on the Smart-
Key.
or X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
KEYLESS-GO and all of its associated features
are available again.78
SmartKey
Opening and closing

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
KEYLESS-GO is malfunctioning. X
Lock/unlock the vehicle using the remote control function of the
SmartKey. X
Have the vehicle and SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If the vehicle can also not be locked/unlocked using the remote con-
trol function: X
Lock or unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y
page 84).X
Have the vehicle and SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
The engine cannot be
started using the Smart-
Key. The on-board voltage is too low. X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work: X
Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary ( Y
page 334).
or X
Jump-start the vehicle ( Y
page 335).
or X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine cannot be
started using the Start/
Stop button. The Smart-
Key is in the vehicle. The vehicle is locked. X
Unlock the vehicle and try to start the vehicle again.
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Check the SmartKey battery ( Y
page 80) and replace it if necessary
( Y
page 80).
If this does not work: X
Start your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves. X
Start your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
You have lost a Smart-
Key. X
Have the SmartKey deactivated at a qualified specialist workshop. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers. X
If necessary, have the locks changed as well.
You have lost the
mechanical key. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers. X
If necessary, have the locks changed as well.82
SmartKey
Opening and closing

Door s
Important safet y notes
G WARNING
If children are lef t unsupervised in th e vehicle,
they could: R
ope n th e doors , thus endangerin g other
people or road users. R
get out and disrup t traffic .R
operat e th e vehicle' s equipment.
Additionally, children could set th e vehicle in
motion if, fo r example, they:R
release th e parking brake .R
shiftin g th e automatic transmissio n out of
par k position PR
Start th e engine.
There is a ris k of an acciden t and injury.
Whe n leavin g th e vehicle, always take th e
SmartKey wit h you and loc k th e vehicle. Never
leav e children or animals unattended in th e
vehicle. Always keep th e SmartKey out of
reach of children .
Unlockin g an d opening doors from
th e insideYou can ope n a doo r from insid e th e vehicle
eve n if it has bee n locked. You can only ope n th e
rea r doors from insid e th e vehicle if they are no t
secure d by th e child-proof locks ( Y
page 65). If
th e vehicle has bee n locke d wit h th e SmartKey
or wit h KEYLESS-GO , opening a doo r from th e
insid e will trigger th e anti-thef t alar m system.
Switc h of f th e alar m ( Y
page 76) . X
To unlock an d ope n a front door: pull doo r
handle D .
If th e doo r is locked, locking knob C pop s up.
The doo r is unlocke d and opens .X
To unlock a rear door: pull rea r doo r handle.
The locking knob on th e rea r doo r pop s up and
th e rea r doo r unlocks .X
To ope n a rear door: pull rea r doo r handle
again .
The rea r doo r opens .
Centrally locking an d unlocking th e
vehicle from th e insideYou can centrall y loc k and unloc k th e vehicle
from th e inside. The buttons are located on bot h
fron t doors .
X
To unlock : press butto n C .X
To lock : press butto n D .
If th e front-passenger doo r is closed, th e vehi-
cl e locks .
If th e driver's doo r is open, th e doo r stays
unlocked.
Meanwhile, th e fue l filler flap will no t be locke d
or unlocked.
You canno t unloc k th e vehicle centrall y from th e
insid e if th e vehicle has bee n locke d wit h th e
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO .
The doors can be opene d from th e inside. You
can only ope n th e rea r doors from insid e th e
vehicle if they are no t secure d by th e child-proof
locks ( Y
page 65).
If th e vehicle has bee n locke d wit h th e SmartKey
or wit h KEYLESS-GO , opening a doo r from th e
insid e will trigger th e anti-thef t alar m system.
Switc h of f th e alar m ( Y
page 76) .Doors 83
Opening and closing Z

X
To lock: turn the mechanical key clockwise as
far as it will go to position G .X
To unlock: turn the mechanical key counter-
clockwise as far as it will go to position G .
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door, the anti-theft alarm sys-
tem will be triggered. Switch off the alarm
( Y
page 76).
Trunk
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the
trunk lid is open when the engine is running,
especially if the vehicle is in motion. There is a
risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the trunk lid. Never drive with the trunk lid
open.
G WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. ! The trunk lid swings upwards when opened.
Therefore, make sure that there is sufficient
clearance above the trunk lid.
You can limit the opening angle of the trunk lid in
the multimedia system; see the Digital Opera-
tor's Manual.
The opening dimensions of the trunk lid can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
( Y
page 376).
Do not leave the SmartKey in the trunk. You
could otherwise lock yourself out.
You should preferably place luggage or loads in
the trunk. Observe the loading guidelines
( Y
page 281).
Obstruction detection with reversing
feature for the trunk lid Vehicles with trunk lid remote closing fea-
ture:
The trunk lid is equipped with automatic
obstruction detection with a reversing feature. If
a solid object blocks or restricts the trunk lid
when automatically opening or closing, this pro-
cedure is stopped. If the trunk lid is stopped
during the closing procedure, it will open again
automatically. The automatic obstruction detec-
tion with reversing feature is only an aid. It is not
a substitute for your attentiveness when open-
ing and closing the trunk lid.
G WARNING
The reversing feature does not respond: R
to soft, light and thin objects, e.g. fingers R
over the last 1/3 in (8 mm) of the closing
movement
The reversing feature cannot prevent some-
one being trapped in these situations in par-
ticular. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that no body parts are in close
proximity during the closing procedure.
If somebody becomes trapped: R
press the T button on the SmartKey, or R
pull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door or R
press the closing or locking button on the
trunk lid, or R
pull on the trunk lid handle Trunk 85
Opening and closing Z

Vehicles with HANDS-FREE ACCESS:
It is also possible to stop the closing process by
performing a kicking movement under the rear
bumper.
Opening and closing manually
Opening X
Press the T button on the SmartKey.
or X
Pull handle C .
The trunk lid opens.
Closing
X
Pull the trunk lid down using recess C .
Vehicles with trunk lid remote closing fea-
ture or power closing: X
Lightly push the trunk lid closed.
The power closing function pulls the trunk lid
closed. X
Lock the vehicle if necessary with the 7
button on the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO
( Y
page 78).
If KEYLESS-GO detects a SmartKey in the
trunk, the trunk lid cannot be locked. It then
opens again.
Opening/closing automatically from
outside
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Parts of the body could become trapped dur-
ing automatic closing of the trunk lid. More-
over, people, e.g. children, may be standing in
the closing area or may enter the closing area
during the closing process. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
closing area during the closing process.
Use one of the following options to stop the
closing process: R
press the T button on the SmartKey. R
pull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door. R
press the closing or locking button on the
trunk lid. R
pull the trunk lid handle
Vehicles with HANDS-FREE ACCESS:
It is also possible to stop the closing process by
performing a kicking movement under the rear
bumper.
G WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the
trunk lid is open when the engine is running,
especially if the vehicle is in motion. There is a
risk of poisoning.86
Trunk
Opening and closing

Always switch off the engine before opening
the trunk lid. Never drive with the trunk lid
open.
! The trunk lid swings upwards when opened.
Therefore, make sure that there is sufficient
clearance above the trunk lid.
The opening dimensions of the trunk lid can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
( Y
page 376).
Opening automatically You can open the trunk lid automatically using
the SmartKey or the handle in the trunk lid. X
Press and hold the T button on the Smart-
Key until the trunk lid opens.
or X
If the trunk lid is unlocked, pull the trunk lid
handle and let it go again immediately.
Closing automatically You can close the trunk lid automatically using
the SmartKey or the closing button in the trunk
lid.
X
Press closing button C on the trunk lid.
or X
If the SmartKey is located in the immediate
vicinity of the vehicle: press the T button
on the SmartKey.
You can release the button as soon as the
trunk lid starts to close. X
To stop the closing process: R
Press the T button on the SmartKey.R
Pull the handle in the trunk lid. R
Press closing button C or locking but-
ton D on the trunk lid. R
Press the remote operating switch on the
driver's door. R
In vehicles with HANDS-FREE ACCESS:
kick into the sensor detection range under
the bumper with your foot.
i If the T button on the SmartKey is
pressed or HANDS-FREE ACCESS is initiated
after the closing process is stopped, the trunk
lid opens.
Vehicles with trunk lid remote closing fea-
ture and KEYLESS-GO: when all the doors are
closed, you can simultaneously close the trunk
lid and lock the vehicle. The SmartKey must be
located to the rear of the vehicle. X
Press and release locking button D on the
trunk lid.
If a KEYLESS-GO key is detected outside the
vehicle, the trunk lid closes and the vehicle
locks.
If KEYLESS-GO detects a second SmartKey out-
side the vehicle, the trunk lid remains closed.
If KEYLESS-GO detects a SmartKey in the trunk,
the trunk lid opens again after it is closed.
HANDS-FREE ACCESS
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The vehicle's exhaust system may be very hot.
You could burn yourself by touching the
exhaust system if you use HANDS-FREE
ACCESS. There is a risk of injury. Always
ensure that you only make the kicking move-
ment within the detection range of sensors.
! If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the trunk: R
using a car wash R
using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 10 ft
(3 m) away from the vehicle.
General notes
With KEYLESS-GO and HANDS-FREE ACCESS,
you can open or close the trunk lid or stop the
procedure without using your hands. This is use- Trunk 87
Opening and closing Z

ful if you have your hands full. To do this, make
a kicking movement under the bumper with your
foot.
Observe the following points: R
Carry your KEYLESS-GO key about your per-
son. The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the rear
detection range of the vehicle. R
When making the kicking movement, make
sure that you are standing firmly on the
ground and that there is sufficient clearance
to the rear of the vehicle. You could otherwise
lose your balance, for example on ice.
R
Always ensure that you only make the kicking
movement within the detection range of sen-
sors C .R
Stand at least 12 in (30 cm) away from the
rear area while doing so. R
Do not come into contact with the bumper
while making the kicking movement. Other-
wise, the sensors may not function correctly. R
HANDS-FREE ACCESS does not function
when the engine is started. R
Dirt caused by road salt around sensors C
may restrict functionality. R
Using the HANDS-FREE ACCESS with a pros-
thetic leg may restrict functionality. R
If a KEYLESS-GO key is within the rear detec-
tion range of KEYLESS-GO, HANDS-FREE
ACCESS could be triggered. The trunk lid
could thus be opened or closed unintention-
ally, for example, if you: -
sit on the edge of the trunk. -
set something down or lift something up
behind the vehicle. -
polish the rear of the vehicle.
Do not carry the KEYLESS-GO key about your
person in these situations or in situations sim-
ilar to these. This will prevent unintentional
opening or closing of the trunk lid. Operation X
To open or close: kick into sensor detection
range C under the bumper with your foot.
A warning tone will sound while the trunk lid is
opening or closing. X
If the trunk lid does not open or close after
several attempts: wait at least ten seconds
then move your leg under the bumper once
again.
If you hold your foot under the bumper for too
long, the trunk lid does not open or close.
Repeat the leg movement more quickly if this
occurs.
To stop the opening or closing procedure, you
have the following options: R
Kick with your foot in sensor detection
range C under the bumper. R
Press the closing button on the trunk lid. R
Pull the handle on the outside of the trunk lid. R
Press the T button on the SmartKey
If the trunk lid closing procedure has been stop-
ped: R
move your foot under the bumper again and
the trunk lid will open
If the trunk lid opening procedure has been
stopped: R
move your foot under the bumper again and
the trunk lid will close88
Trunk
Opening and closing