MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2013 Owners Manual

Risk of explosion
Fire, naked flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling the battery.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic.
Avoid
contact with the skin,
eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, in particular
gloves, an apron and a face
mask.
Immediately rinse acid
splashes off with clean
water. Consult a doctor if
necessary. Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's
Manual.
H
Environmental note Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must

be collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment. Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Return discharged
batteries to a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center, or to a special collection point for old
batteries.
G
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc. G
WARNING
Do not place any metal objects on the battery
as this could result in a short circuit.
Use

leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First, touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! Before working on the battery, e.g.
loosening the battery terminals, switch off
the engine and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
make sure that the ignition is switched off.
Check that all the indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster are off. You may
otherwise destroy electronic components,
such as the alternator. Battery
479
Breakdown assistance Z

!
Like other batteries, the vehicle battery
may discharge over time if you do not use
the vehicle. In this case have the battery
checked
at a qualified specialist workshop,
such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. You can also charge the battery
with a charger recommended by Mercedes-
Benz. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for more information.
The battery and the cover of the positive
terminal clamp must be installed securely
during operation.
i Remove the SmartKey if you park the
vehicle and do not require any electrical
consumers. The vehicle will then use very
little energy, thus conserving battery
power.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you do not
carry out work on batteries yourself, e.g.
removing or charging. Always have this work
performed at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Charging the battery
G
WARNING
Never charge a battery still installed in the
vehicle
unless a battery charger unit approved
by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may
escape during charging and cause explosions
that may result in paint damage, corrosion or
personal injury.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information and availability.
Charge the battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the battery charger. G
WARNING
There is a risk of acid burns during the
charging process due to the gases which escape from the battery. Do not lean over the
battery during the charging process.
G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the
skin, eyes or clothing.
! Only charge the installed battery with a
battery

charger which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery
chargers allow the battery to be charged
while still installed.
! Only use battery chargers with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment (Y page 481).
X Open the hood (Y page 456).
X Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal

and earth point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in
the jump-starting procedure
(Y page 481).
X Read the battery charger's operating
instructions before charging the battery.480
Battery
Breakdown assistance

Jump-starting
G
WARNING
Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding. G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID" supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to recognize
dangers.
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may
damage the catalytic converter 27
and create a risk of fire.
Do not use a rapid-charging device to start the engine.
Make sure the jumper cables are not damaged.
Make sure the jumper cables are not touching any other metal objects when they are
connected to the battery.
If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle
or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points:
X The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
X Only jump-start the vehicle when the engine is cold and the catalytic converter system has
cooled down 28
.
X Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
X Jump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
X Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
X Make sure that the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts, such as the pulley
or the fan. These parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.
X If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the empty battery a little.
i Jumper cables and further information about jump-starting can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, for example.
27 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.
28 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine. Jump-starting
481Breakdown assistance Z

X
Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
X Secure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.).
X Open the hood (Y page 456). Position number
A identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
X Remove the cover from positive terminal :.
X Connect positive terminal : on your vehicle to positive terminal ; of donor battery A
using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal = of donor battery A to earth point ? of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery A first.
X Start the engine.
X Allow the engine to run for a few minutes before disconnecting the jumper cable.
X First, remove the jumper cable from earth point ? and negative terminal =, then from
positive
terminal : and positive terminal ;, each time disconnecting from the battery on
your own vehicle first.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz

Center. The jump-starting procedure is not a standard operating state; therefore, have
the battery checked. 482
Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers. G
WARNING
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid
towing bar if:
R the engine is not running.
R there is a brake system malfunction.
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
The
power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will need more
force to steer and brake, you may have to
depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
Before towing away, make sure that the
steering can be moved and is not locked.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle. G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate

HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a
transporter.
! Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop. !
Only
secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position P when
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
The automatic transmission must be in
position N when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in
the ignition lock
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Before the vehicle is towed, switch off the
automatic locking feature ( Y page 264).
You could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye X
Remove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit ( Y page 472). G
WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be hot. You could
burn yourself if you touch the tail pipe. Be
particularly careful when removing the rear
cover. Towing and tow-starting
483
Breakdown assistance Z

The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, under the covers.
X
Press the mark on cover : inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
X Take cover : off the opening.
X Screw the towing eye in clockwise to the
stop and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Attach cover : to the bumper and press
until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit. Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
Only possible on vehicles without
4MATIC.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions ( Y page 483).
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP ®
could
otherwise damage the brake system. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 279).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X When leaving the vehicle, take the
SmartKey
or the KEYLESS-GO key with you. Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
When

having your vehicle towed, observe the
important safety notes ( Y page 483). G
WARNING
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will then need
much more effort to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your style of driving
accordingly.
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts

to position P when you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. In order
to ensure that the automatic transmission
stays in position N when towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position 0.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
On

vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the key
instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 303).
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Leave the SmartKey in position 2 in the
ignition lock.484
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

Transporting the vehicle
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X Secure the vehicle.
! Only
lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged. Notes for 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles

with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it
transported on a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system
If the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To
shift the automatic transmission to position
N, you must provide power to the vehicle's
electrical system in the same way as when
jump-starting (Y page 481).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer. Tow-starting (emergency starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be started by tow-starting. This
could otherwise damage the transmission. Fuses
Important safety notes
The
fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating. G
WARNING
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with
the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
determined and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart. An authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will be happy to
advise you.
i If a fuse has blown, contact a breakdown
service or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged. Fuses
485
Breakdown assistance Z

Before changing a fuse
X Park the vehicle and apply the electric
parking brake.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R fuse
box on the right and left-hand sides of
the dashboard
R fuse box in the rear
R fuse box in the engine compartment on the
left-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R fuse box in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
The fuse allocation chart is in the vehicle
document wallet. Dashboard fuse box
There is a fuse box located on both the
driver's side and the front-passenger side.
! Do not use a pointed object such as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover. Driver's side illustrated X
To open: pull cover : outwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it.
X To close: clip in cover : on the front of
the dashboard.
X Fold cover : inwards until it engages. Fuse box in the rear
The fuse box is behind the armrest in the rear. X
To open: fold down the armrest.
X Pull handle : on the trim behind the rear
seat armrest up in the direction of the
arrow.
X Fold down trim ;. X
Loosen cover ?
with a suitable object =.
X Remove cover ? upwards in the direction
of the arrow.
! The cover must be seated properly,
otherwise

moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses. 486
Fuses
Breakdown assistance

Fuse box in the engine compartment
Fuse box on the left in the direction of
travel X
Open the hood (Y page 456). X
Remove any existing moisture from the
fuse box using a dry cloth.
X AMG vehicles: remove the control unit
above the fuse box.
X To open: undo screws : with an Allen
key.
X Remove bracket =.
X Remove cover ;.
X To close: check whether the rubber seal is
lying correctly in cover ;.
X Put cover ; back in position.
X Replace bracket =.
X Tighten screws : using an Allen key.
! The cover must be seated properly,
otherwise

moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses.
X Close the hood ( Y page 457).
Fuse box on the right in the direction of
travel X
Open the hood (Y page 456). X
Remove any existing moisture from the
fuse box using a dry cloth.
X To open: open clamps ;.
X Remove cover ; upwards.
X To close:
check whether the rubber seal is
lying correctly in cover ;.
X Put cover ; back in position.
X Fold down cover : and close clamps ;.
! The cover must be seated properly,
otherwise

moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses.
X Close the hood ( Y page 457). Engine emergency off
If the engine cannot be switched off as
described, observe the following procedure:
X Take the fuse allocation chart out of the
vehicle document wallet.
X Search for “Emergency engine shutdown”
in the fuse allocation chart.
X Remove the fuses listed under "Emergency
engine shutdown". Fuses
487
Breakdown assistance Z

488