MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC 2010 W221 Owner's Manual

S-ClassOperator’s Manual221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 1

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The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis continuation symbol marks a
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shown here.221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 2

Our company and staff congratulate you on
the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a
demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and will provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of
many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To
help assure your driving pleasure, and also
the safety of you and your passengers, we ask
you to make a small investment of time:
R Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
R Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
R Please pay attention to the warnings and
cautions contained in this manual. They are
designed to help improve the safety of the
vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of
safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler Company2215847682 É2215847682>ËÍ
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Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 27Safety and security .............................39Control systems .................................. 75Controls in detail .............................. 273Operation ........................................... 401Practical hints ................................... 449Technical data ................................... 523
Contents3221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 3

1, 2, 3 ...
4-ETS see ETS/4-ETS
4MATIC
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
911 emergency call .......................... 150
A
ABC (Active Body Control) ................ 345
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 457
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 63
Indicator lamp ................................ 490
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 467, 468
Accessory weight .............................. 430
Accidents ........................................... 314
Air bags ........................................... 41
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............390
Emergency calls (Telephone) .........150
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ........................................ 55
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
see Headlamps
Active Body Control
see ABC
Adaptive Brake .................................... 65
Adaptive Brake Lights ......................... 66
Adaptive Damping System see ADS
Adaptive Highbeam Assist ............... 301
Setting ........................................... 235
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 540
Gasoline ......................................... 541
Address book ..................................... 159
Address change ................................... 22
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 343
Advanced Parking Guidance
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 461
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 414
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 464
Air bags ................................................ 41
Emergency call upon deployment ..390
Front, driver and passenger .............44
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 46, 498
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 455
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Side impact ...................................... 45
Window curtain ................................ 45
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 540
Air distribution .................................. 370
AIRMATIC
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ...343
Introduction ................................... 343
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 476
Vehicle level control ......................344
Air pressure
see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 430
Air recirculation mode ...................... 371
Air volume .......................................... 370
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 450, 511
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) .................. 347
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 463, 482
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
AMG menu ......................................... 227
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 543
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 71
Anti-theft alarm system ...................72
Immobilizer ...................................... 71
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Armrest, front
Storage compartment ....................3824Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 4

Armrest, rear
Control panel ........................... 80, 293
Cup holder ..................................... 385
Storage compartment ....................383
Ashtrays ............................................. 387
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 430
Assistance menu ............................... 231
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................... 355
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 476
Switching on or off ......................... 232
Audio Aux ........................................... 186
Audio menu ........................................ 226
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ..... 295
Automatic central locking ................ 278
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 299
Automatic interior lighting control .. 304
Automatic shift program .................. 322
Automatic transmission ................... 317
Automatic shift program ................322
Gear range indicator ......................321
Gear ranges ................................... 321
Gear selector lever ........................317
Hill-start assist system ..................341
Kickdown ....................................... 321
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..325
Manual shift program ..................... 324
One-touch gearshifting ..................323
Program mode indicator ................322
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............322
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................324
Shifting procedure .........................319
Steering wheel gearshift control ....323
Transmission position indicator .....320
Transmission positions ..................320
AUX
Audio ............................................. 186
Media interface .............................. 200
Sockets .......................................... 187
Video ............................................. 186
Axle oils .............................................. 538B
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 430
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 64
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 64
Batteries, replacing
Headphone .................................... 502
Remote control (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................502
Remote control (SPLITVIEW) ..........502
SmartKey ....................................... 502
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ........................277
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 512
Charging ........................................ 514
Jump starting ................................. 514
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 463, 482
Bead (tire) .......................................... 430
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Blind Spot Assist ............................... 359
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 460
Switching on or off ......................... 233
Bluetooth ®
interface ......................... 151
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake Assist System PLUS
see BAS PLUS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 409
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 472
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 466
Brakes ................................................ 435
High-performance brake system ....437
Warning lamp ................................. 490Index5221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 5

Break-in period .................................. 402
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 24
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 22
Calls (phone) .............................. 148, 230
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 537
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 446
CD player ............................................ 176
Central locking
Automatic ...................................... 278
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 275
Locking/unlocking from inside ......279
SmartKey ....................................... 274
Central locking/unlocking switch ... 279
Certification label .............................. 524
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 41
Child safety locks (rear doors) .........61
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) ........................................... 60
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off ................................ 46
Infant and child restraint systems .... 57
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) ..................................... 60
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
Override switch ................................ 61
Safety notes ..................................... 56
Tether anchorage points ..................59
Top tether ........................................ 59
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 447
Cigarette lighters .............................. 387
Climate control system .................... 363
Air conditioning ............................. 366
Air conditioning refrigerant ............540
Air distribution ............................... 370
Air recirculation mode ...................371
Air volume ..................................... 370
Automatic mode ............................ 366
Deactivating system ......................366
Front defroster .............................. 370
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........371
Residual heat and ventilation .........372
Temperature .................................. 367
Coat hooks ......................................... 380
Cockpit ................................................. 30
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 430
Collapsible wheel chock ................... 450
COMAND .............................................. 76
Address book ................................. 159
Audio playback .............................. 176
AUX sockets .................................. 186
Components .................................... 77
Controller ......................................... 79
FM/AM Radio ................................ 165
Gracenote ®
Media Database .........185
HD Radio™ .................................... 167
Headphone ...................................... 82
Inserting/ejecting CDs and DVDs . 179
Introduction ..................................... 76
iPod ®
............................................. 200
Media interface .............................. 200
Music Register ............................... 196
Navigation ........................................ 95
Operating ......................................... 84
Phone book .................................... 159
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...189
Remote control (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ....................81
Remote control (SPLITVIEW) ............81
Reset to factory settings ..................95
Satellite radio ................................ 170
SD card .......................................... 180
Shortcut buttons .............................. 77
SPLITVIEW ....................................... 90
Switching on or off ........................... 77
System settings ............................... 91
Telephone ...................................... 148
Telephone keypad ............................ 796Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 6

Upload/Download of Data ...............95
USB socket ...................................... 80
Vehicle settings ............................. 206
Video DVD ..................................... 191
Voice Control System ....................237
Combination switch .......................... 301
Controller (COMAND) .......................... 79
Control system .................................. 220
Multifunction display .....................222
Multifunction steering wheel .........221
Control system menus ...................... 222
AMG ............................................... 227
Assistance ..................................... 231
Audio ............................................. 226
Navi ............................................... 225
Service ........................................... 233
Settings ......................................... 234
Telephone ...................................... 230
Trip ................................................ 223
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............543
Capacities .............................. 538, 539
Checking level ............................... 408
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 480
Temperature gauge ........................ 327
Corner-illuminating lamps ................ 303
Cruise control .................................... 328
Activating ....................................... 328
Canceling ....................................... 329
Changing the set speed .................329
Last stored speed ..........................330
Lever .............................................. 328
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 458
Resume function ............................ 330
Setting current speed ....................329
Cup holders ........................................ 384
Curb weight ....................................... 430
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 24
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 25
Daytime running lamp mode ............ 299
Switching on or off ......................... 234
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) ..................... 371
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......370
Rear window .................................. 372
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 314
With starting .................................. 312
Digital speedometer
Additional speedometer ................. 235
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 422
Displays
COMAND display ............................. 78
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Maintenance service indicator .......439
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 452
Multifunction display .....................222
Symbol messages ..........................466
Text messages ............................... 454
Trip computer ................................ 223
Vehicle status message memory ...233
Display settings (COMAND) ................ 92
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 330
Cleaning system sensors ...............443
Displaying the distance graphic .....334
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 333
Distance warning lamp ..........333, 496
Driving ........................................... 336
Driving with .................................... 339
Lever .............................................. 335
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 459
Resume function ............................ 338
Sensor cover .................................. 443
Speed settings ............................... 337
Stopping ........................................ 337
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 61
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) . 275Index7221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 7

Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ......274
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening from inside ......................278
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......394
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........499
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 430
Drinking and driving ......................... 434
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats .. 219
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 438
Hydroplaning ................................. 437
Instructions ........................... 311, 434
In winter ........................................ 433
Problems ....................................... 314
Safety systems ................................ 63
Systems ......................................... 327
Through standing water .................437
With DISTRONIC PLUS ...................339
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 311
Driving off .................................. 313, 437
Driving safety systems ....................... 63
ABS .................................................. 63
Adaptive Brake ................................ 65
Adaptive Brake Lights ......................66
BAS .................................................. 64
BAS PLUS ........................................ 64
EBP .................................................. 66
ESC .................................................. 66
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 67
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 69
Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) .............345
AIRMATIC ...................................... 343
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 347
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................355
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 359
Cruise control ................................ 328
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 330
Hill-start assist system ..................341
HOLD function ............................... 342
Lane Keeping Assist ......................362
Night View Assist Plus ...................356
Parking Guidance ........................... 350Parktronic system ..........................347
Rear view camera .......................... 354
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 321
DVD, audio ......................................... 176
DVD, video ......................................... 191
E
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 66
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 388
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic parking brake .................. 315
Electronic Stability Control see ESC
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 450
Flat tire .......................................... 508
Hazard warning flasher ..................302
Roadside Assistance ................ 22, 391
Towing the vehicle .........................516
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 390
Telephone ...................................... 150
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 521
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......394
Trunk lid, emergency release .........282
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 438
Information label ............................ 525
System warranties ...........................21
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............402
Cleaning ......................................... 442
Compartment ................................ 404
Malfunction indicator lamp ............496
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 480
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