catalytic converter MERCEDES-BENZ S550 2007 W221 Owner's Manual

ContentsOperation......................................... 477
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 478
Driving instructions ............................ 479
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 479
Drinking and driving ..................... 479
Pedals .......................................... 479
Power assistance ......................... 479
Brakes .......................................... 480
Driving off..................................... 481
Parking ......................................... 481
Tires ............................................. 482
Hydroplaning ................................ 483
Tire traction .................................. 483
Tire speed rating .......................... 484
Winter driving instructions ........... 484
Standing water ............................. 485
Passenger compartment .............. 486
Driving abroad .............................. 486
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 486
Catalytic converter ....................... 487
Emission control........................... 488
Coolant temperature .................... 488At the gas station .............................. 489
Refueling ...................................... 489
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 490
Engine compartment ......................... 492
Hood ............................................ 492
Engine oil ..................................... 494
Transmission fluid level ................ 497
Active Body Control* (ABC*)
fluid level...................................... 497
Coolant level ................................ 497
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 498
Tires and wheels ................................ 500
Important guidelines .................... 500
Tire care and maintenance ........... 501
Direction of rotation ..................... 503
Loading the vehicle ...................... 503
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 509
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 511
Tire labeling.................................. 518
Load identification ....................... 521DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 522
Maximum tire load ....................... 523
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 523
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 524
Tire ply material ........................... 525
Tire and loading terminology........ 526
Rotating tires ............................... 529
Winter driving .................................... 530
Winter tires .................................. 530
Snow chains................................. 531
Maintenance...................................... 532
Maintenance service indicator
message ...................................... 532
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display .............. 533
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 533
Vehicle care....................................... 534
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 534

361 Controls in detail
Driving and parking

If you are starting the engine with
KEYLESS-GO: Close any doors that
may be open to allow for better detec-
tion of the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO.
or

Remove the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button from starter switch.

Start the engine with the SmartKey as
radio signals from another source may
be interfering with the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO.

Repeat the starting procedure
(page 359). Remember that extend-
ed starting attempts can drain the bat-
tery.

Get a jump start (
page 639).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.

Call Roadside Assistance.

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Driving off
Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be
used.

Shift automatic transmission toD orR.

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
The electric parking brake is automati-
cally released (
page 364).
The red brake warning 0 (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto-
matic central locking system engages
and the locking knobs in the doors
move down.
After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter to reach
its operating temperature earlier.
i
Wait for the gear selection process to com-
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.
i
Shifting from gear position P to position R,
N, or D is only possible with the brake pedal de-
pressed. Without the brake pedal depressed, the
gear selector lever can be moved, but the park-
ing pawl remains engaged, not allowing shifting
to occur.
i
After driving off the doors and the trunk lock
automatically.
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
You can deactivate the automatic locking using
the COMAND system (
page 223).


362 Controls in detailDriving and parking
For more information, see “Driving instruc-
tions” (
page 479).
Turn signalsCombination switch1Turn signals, right
2Turn signals, left

Press the combination switch up1 or
down2.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lampL orK flashes in the in-
strument cluster (
page 28).
The combination switch resets automati-
cally after major steering wheel move-
ments.
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires

An ignition cable may be damaged.


The engine electronics may not be op-
erating properly.


Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.

Give very little gas.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le-
ver out of P or N if the engine speed is high-
er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel-
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.!
Shift the automatic transmission toP or R
only when the vehicle is stopped in order to avoid
damaging the transmission.
!
Do not run cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine
speeds may shorten the service life of the en-
gine.
!
Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brake reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.
i
To signal minor directional changes, e.g.
passing or changing lanes, move combination
switch to point of resistance only and release.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.


367 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
For more information on driving with an
automatic transmission, see “Automatic
transmission” (
page 359).
Your vehicle’s automatic transmission
adapts its gear shifting process to your in-
dividual driving style by continually adjust-
ing the shift points up or down. These shift
point adjustments are performed based on
current operating and driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by
adjusting its shift program.
Gear selector lever
The gear selector lever is located on the
right of the steering column.Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmissionPPark position
RReverse gear
NNeutral
DDrive position
i
During the brief warm-up, automatic trans-
mission upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to op-
erating temperature.Warning!
G
Make sure that absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta-
cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure that the pedals still
have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate.
i
The current automatic transmission
positionP, R, N orD appears in the tachometer
display (
page 370).
Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the automatic trans-
mission out of park positionP or neutral
positionN if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

487 Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation in-
structions regarding use of an external an-
tenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!
To prevent damage to the catalytic convert-
ers, only use premium unleaded gasoline in this
vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation
should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, exces-
sive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic con-
verter, causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

497 Operation
Engine compartment
Example illustration from S 5501Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.

Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.

Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.For more information on engine, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 661) and
(
page 663).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the automatic transmission.Active Body Control* (ABC*) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If
you notice fluid leaks or malfunction mes-
sages in the multifunction display, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check
the ABC-system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
!
Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It will cause damage to the engine and catalytic
converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.


Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.


604 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?When the message “Check engine oil level
at next refueling” (S 550) or “Add 1.0 qts.
(Canada:1.0 l) engine oil at next refueling”
(S 600) appears while the engine is run-
ning and at operating temperature, the en-
gine oil level has dropped to approximately
the minimum level.When this occurs, the warning will first
come on intermittently and then stay on if
the oil level drops further.
Visually check for oil leaks. If no obvious oil
leaks are noted, drive to the nearest ser-
vice station where the engine oil should be
topped to the required level with an ap-
proved oil specified in the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet.Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Engine oil level
cannot be
measured
S 600 only:
The measuring system is malfunctioning.

Have the measuring system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
S 600 only:
You have added too much engine oil.
There is a risk of damaging:

the engine


the catalytic converter

Have excess oil siphoned or drained off. Con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
!
The engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol dis-
played could result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limit-
ed Warranty.

639 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the starter battery is discharged, the en-
gine can be started with jumper cables and
the battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only use 12-volt battery to jump start
y o ur ve h i c l e . J u m p s t a r t i n g w i t h a m o r e
powerful battery could damage the ve-
hicle’s electrical system, which will not
be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure that the jumper ca-
bles are not on or near pulleys, fans or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!
G
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 very 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.
!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!
Jump starting should only be performed on
the starter battery installed in the engine com-
partment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a bat-
tery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated
failed starting attempts may damage the catalyt-
ic converter and may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any
other metal part while the other end is still at-
tached to a battery.

681 Index
Batteries, vehicle 634
Charging 637
Discharged, Jump starting 639
Disconnecting 636
For electrical consumers 634
For starter 634
Message in display 586
Reconnecting 638
Removing 637
Bead 526
Beverage holder see Cup holder
Bi-Xenon headlamps see Headlamps
Bluetooth
Settings (COMAND) 217
Brake assist system (BAS Plus) 71
Brake assist system (BAS) 71
Brake fluid 490, 662, 663
Brake lamp bulbs 622
Brake lamp, high mounted 622
Brake pads
Message in display 575
Brake warning lamp 29
Brakes 480
Warning lamp 545Break-in period 478
Bulbs, replacing 621
Additional turn signals 622
Brake lamps 622
Fog lamps 622
Front lamps 622
High beam 622
High mounted brake lamp 622
License plate lamps 622
Low beam 622
Parking and standing lamps 622
Rear fog lamp 622
Turn signal lamps 622
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 670
California retail buyers and lessees, impor-
tant notice for 15
Can holder see Cup holder
CAN system 670
Canceling
Cruise control 382
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 661Cargo area see Trunk
Cargo tie-down hooks 453
Carpets, Cleaning and care of 542
Catalytic converter 487
CD
Ejecting (COMAND) 109
Loading (COMAND) 107
Menu overview (COMAND) 110
Playback options (COMAND) 114
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 112
Selecting a track (COMAND) 113
CD (COMAND) 104
Central locking
Automatic 313
Locking/unlocking from inside 314
Central locking/unlocking switches 314
Certification label 652
Change of address or ownership 16
Changing
Vehicle level (ABC*) 404
Vehicle level (Airmatic) 402