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

S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................63
Occupant safety ............................... 40
Reporting defects ............................ 24
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Satellite radio .................................... 170
SD card ............................................... 180
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 53
Seat belts ............................................. 49
Adjustment function ........................52
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........54
Children in the vehicle .....................56
Cleaning ......................................... 446
Fastening ......................................... 51
Height adjustment ...........................52
Proper use of ................................... 50
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Safety notes ..................................... 49
Telltale ..................................... 32, 493
Seat heating ....................................... 292
Seating capacity ................................ 419
Seats .................................................. 286
Adjustment .................................... 286
Drive-dynamic ................................ 219
Heating .......................................... 292
Memory function ........................... 297
Multicontour, front ......................... 218
Multicontour, rear ..........................293
Ventilation ..................................... 292
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down hooks ....................381
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 49
Tele Aid .......................................... 389
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 524
Service and warranty information ..... 21Service intervals
see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 423
Service menu ..................................... 233
Settings
Automatic locking ..........................210
Automatic mirror folding ................209
Display settings (COMAND) .............92
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 208
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......277
Factory setting (SmartKey) ............275
Individual (vehicle) .........................234
Interior ambient lighting ................209
Language ......................................... 94
Locator lighting .............................. 210
Memory function ........................... 297
Night security illumination .............208
Rear window sunshade ..................207
Seat belt adjustment function .......236
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) ..... 277
Selective setting (SmartKey) .......... 275
Time ................................................. 92
Trunk opening-height restriction ....210
Voice Control System ......................93
Shelf below rear window, cleaning .. 446
Shortcut buttons ................................. 77
Side impact air bags ........................... 45
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 432
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 433
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 532
Mounting ....................................... 509
Storage location ............................ 451
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Call waiting, call holding, and
conference ..................................... 158
Emergency call “911” ....................150
Functions during a single party
call ................................................. 157
Making calls ................................... 156
Menu ............................................. 230
Operation ....................................... 230
Phone book ........................... 159, 231
Redialing ........................................ 231
Telephone keypad ............................... 79
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 327
Interior temperature ......................367
Outside .......................................... 327
Tether anchorage points
see Children in the vehicle
Tie-down hooks ................................. 381
Tightening torque
Wheels ........................................... 512
Time settings ....................................... 92
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 432
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 418
Tire and loading terminology ........... 430
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 413
Important notes on ........................412
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 412
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar .....418
Tire labeling ....................................... 426
Tire load rating .................................. 431
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 432
Tires ........................................... 410, 532
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 414
Air pressure ................................... 411
Care and maintenance ...................423
Cleaning ......................................... 424
Direction of rotation, spinning .......422
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 412Inflation pressure ........................... 413
Information placard .......................418
Inspection ...................................... 423
Labeling ......................................... 426
Load index ............................. 426, 431
Load rating .................................... 431
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 464, 489
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 432
Problems under-/overinflation ......413
Retreads ........................................ 410
Rims and tires (technical data) ......532
Rotation ......................................... 425
Service life ..................................... 423
Sizes .............................................. 532
Snow chains .................................. 433
Speed rating .......................... 427, 432
Storing ........................................... 424
Temperature .......................... 412, 425
Terminology ................................... 430
Tire Identification Number .............432
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................497
Traction ................................. 424, 432
Tread ............................................. 432
Tread depth ........................... 423, 432
Treadwear ...................................... 424
Treadwear indicators .............423, 432
Vehicle maximum load on ..............432
Wear pattern .................................. 425
Winter tires ............................ 432, 532
Tire speed rating ....................... 427, 432
Top tether see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 432
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 517
Vehicle ........................................... 516
Towing eye bolt ................................. 517
Traction ...................................... 424, 432
Traffic messages ............................... 138
Transfer case ..................................... 325
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 408
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Radio ............................................. 252
Settings ........................................... 93
Telephone ...................................... 245
Troubleshooting ............................. 267
W
Warning sounds
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....52
Electronic parking brake ................469
Parking Guidance ........................... 352
Parktronic system ..........................350
Seat belt telltale ............................ 493
Warranty coverage ............................ 524
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 544
Washer fluid
Mixing ratio .................................... 544
Refilling .......................................... 409
Washing the vehicle .......................... 440
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 425
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 508
Removing ....................................... 511
Spare ............................................. 508
Tightening torque ........................... 512
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 532
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 410
Window curtain air bags ..................... 45
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 445
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 445
Defogging ...................................... 371
Infrared reflecting ..........................399
Washer fluid ................................... 544
Wipers ........................................... 305
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................507
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 433
Snow chains .................................. 433
Tires ............................................... 432
Winter tires ................................ 432, 532
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 447
Z
ZAGAT ®
Rating Service ..................... 128
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Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS (
Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R Adaptive Brake Lights
R BAS (
Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS (
Brake Assist System PLUS)
R EBP (
Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC (
Electronic Stability Control)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (
Preventive Occupant
Safety System Brake)
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
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Comfort suspension tuning
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style.XWhen indicator lamp ; is on: Press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The
comfortable chassis and suspension setup
is selected.
The message ABC Active Body Control
COMFORT appears in the multifunction
display.
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the ESC
( Y page 66) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) ( Y page 67).
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 432) or
snow chains as required.
Parktronic system
The Parktronic system with Parking Guidance
is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic
sensors designed to assist the driver during
parking maneuvers. The Parktronic system
indicates the relative distance between the
vehicle and an obstacle visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
R you switch on the ignition
and
R you release the electronic parking brake
or
R you start the engine
and
R shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P or engage the electronic
parking brake and turn off the engine.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sensors
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Vehicle equipment ............................402
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......402
At the gas station .............................402
Engine compartment ........................404
Tires and wheels ...............................410
Winter driving ...................................432
Driving instructions ..........................434
Maintenance ......................................438
Vehicle care .......................................440
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Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground.
The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
ROnly use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
RTires must be of the correct size for the rim.
RBreak in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
RRegularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
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Tire care and maintenanceGWarning!
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least once
a month. For more information on checking
tire inflation pressure, see “Recommended
tire inflation pressure” (Y page 411).
Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your tires
for the following:
Rexcessive treadwear (Y page 423)
Rcord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
Rbumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the
tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation. Spare
tires will age and become worn over time even
if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
RDriving style
RTire inflation pressure
RDistance driven
Tread depth GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in
(3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six places
on the tread circumference and become
visible at a tread depth of approximately1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The recommended minimum tire tread depth
for summer tires is 1/8 in (3 mm). The
recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is 1/6 in (4 mm).
Treadwear indicator : appears as a solid
band across the tread.
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The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperature is close to the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
( Y page 432) with a minimum tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels
for the winter season to ensure normal
balanced handling characteristics. On
packed snow, they can reduce your stopping
distance compared to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Temperature GWarning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Rotating tires
GWarning!
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.
GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle’s rims.
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all around.
If your vehicle is equipped with tires of the
same dimension all around, tires can be
rotated, observing a front-to-rear rotation
pattern that will maintain the intended
rotation (spinning) direction of the tire
( Y page 422).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle is
equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire
dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation is not
possible.
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire
configuration, tires can be rotated according
to the tire manufacturer’s recommended
intervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should be
rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles (5 000 to
10 000 km), or sooner if necessary, according
to the degree of tire wear. The same rotation
(spinning) direction must be maintained.
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder wear
on front tires and tread center wear on rear
tires).
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IndexSpeed ratingHup to 130 mph (210 km/h)Vup to 149 mph (240 km/h)Wup to 168 mph (270 km/h)Yup to 186 mph (300 km/h)ZR...Yup to 186 mph (300 km/h)ZR...(..Y)above 186 mph (300 km/h)ZRabove 149 mph (240 km/h)
RAt the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR18).
To determine the maximum speed
capability of the tire, the service
description for the tire must be referred to.
The service description is comprised of
load index A and speed symbol B.
If your tire includes “ZR” in the size
designation and no service description is
given, the tire manufacturer must be
consulted for the maximum speed
capability.
If a service description is given, the speed
capability is limited by the speed symbol in
the service description. Example:
245/40 ZR18 97Y. In this example, “97Y”
is the service description. The letter “Y”
designates the speed rating and the speed
capability of the tire is limited to 186 mph
(300 km/h).
R Any tire with a speed capability above
186 mph (300 km/h) must include a “ZR”
in the size designation AND the service
description must be placed in parenthesis.
Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99Y). The “(Y)”
speed symbol in parenthesis designates
the maximum speed capability of the tire
as being above 186 mph (300 km/h).
Consult the tire manufacturer for the actual
maximum permissible speed of the tire.
All-season and winter tiresIndexSpeed ratingQ M+S 42up to 100 mph (160 km/h)T M+S42up to 118 mph (190 km/h)H M+S 42up to 130 mph (210 km/h)V M+S42up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
i
Not all M+S rated tires provide special
winter performance. Make sure the tires
you use show M+S and the mountain/
snowflake imarking on the tire
sidewall. These tires meet specific snow
traction performance requirements of the
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA)
and the Rubber Association of Canada
(RAC) and have been designed specifically
for use in snow conditions.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of:
R 130 mph (210 km/h):
- All models except AMG vehicles
R 155 mph (250 km/h):
- S 63 AMG
- S 65 AMG
R 186 mph (300 km/h):
- S 63 AMG (Performance Package)
- S 63 AMG with increased top speed
- S 65 AMG with increased top speed
The factory equipped tires on your vehicle
may have a tire speed rating above the
maximum speed permitted by the electronic
speed limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle in
42 or M+S ifor winter tires428Tires and wheelsOperation
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