air condition MERCEDES-BENZ S600 2006 W221 Owner's Guide

327 Operation
Winter driving
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service
includes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze which is formulated
for below freezing temperatures
(page 440).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to make
sure that the engine can be started,
even at low ambient temperatures.


Tire change.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires provide special winter performance.
Make sure the tires you use show the
mountain/snowflake.marking on the
tire sidewall. These tires meet specific
snow traction performance requirements
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of Can-
ada (RAC) and have been designed specif-
ically for use in snow conditions. Use of
winter tires is the only way to achieve the
maximum effectiveness of the ABS, ESP
®
and 4MATIC in winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure that all
mounted winter tires are of the same make
and have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your
vehicle, you must place a notice to this
effect where it will be seen by the driver.
Such notices are available from your tire
dealer or from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

332 OperationVehicle careCleaning and care of vehicle
In operation, even while parked, your vehi-
cle is subjected to varying external influ-
ences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the under-
body and cause lasting damage.Such damage is caused not only by ex-
treme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:


Air pollution


Road salt


Tar


Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:


Grease and oil


Fuel


Coolant


Brake fluid


Bird droppings


Insects


Tree resins, etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:


near the ocean


in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)


during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the facto-
ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by
Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility
of incompatibility between materials used
in the production process and others ap-
plied later.
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.

349 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Vehicle status messages in the multi-function display
Warning and malfunction messages ap-
pear in the multifunction display located in
the instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messag-
es are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in
this Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the vehicle status message
memory menu in the control system
(page 159) displays both cleared and
uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the mul-
tifunction display in red color.Certain messages of high priority cannot
be cleared from the multifunction display
using the reset buttonJ(
page 140) or
button j, k, ÿ, or è on the
multifunction steering wheel
(
page 144).
Other messages of high priority and mes-
sages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display us-
ing the reset buttonJor button j,
k, ÿ, or è on the multifunction
steering wheel. They are then stored in the
vehicle status message memory
(page 159). Remember that clearing a
message will only make the message dis-
appear. Clearing a message will not cor-
rect the condition that caused the
message to appear.
Warning!
G
All categories of messages contain impor-
tant information which should be taken note
of and, where a malfunction is indicated, ad-
dressed as soon as possible at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair condition noted may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty, or result in property dam-
age or personal injury.Warning!
G
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative. Contact your nearest au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

423 Technical data
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
S 350/S 430/S 430 4MATIC/S 500/ S500 4MATIC
1Automatic belt tensioner
2ABC tandem pump (pump for
power-steering assistance and ABC
chassis)
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley
S55AMGThe S 55 AMG has two poly-V-belts (belt one
shown in purple/belt two shown in black). 1Idler pulley
2Automatic belt tensioner
3ABC tandem pump (pump for
power-steering assistance and ABC
chassis)
4Air conditioning compressor
5Crankshaft
6Coolant pump
7Generator (alternator)
8Idler pulley
9Automatic belt tensioner
aSupercharger
S600 and S 65 AMG
1Automatic belt tensioner
2ABC tandem pump (pump for
power-steering assistance and ABC
chassis)
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley
8Idler pulley
9Idler pulley

436 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuel tank
All models
23.2 US gal (88.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86 MON)
including a reserve of
All models except
S55AMG, S65AMG
2.9 US gal (11.0 l)
including a reserve of
S55AMG, S65AMG
3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
Air conditioning system
All models
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG
lubricant oil (never R-12)
Windshield washer
S 350
S 430, S 430 4MATIC
3.2 US qt. (3.0 l)
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
1
1Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and commercially available pre-
mixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 442).Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system*
All models
7.1 US qt (6.7 l)
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
1

437 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet, or
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles), or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles) will result in engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Please follow Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles)
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.Warning!
G
Under extremely strenuous operating condi-
tions, this moisture content can lead to the
formation of bubbles in the system, thus re-
ducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
every two years, preferably in the spring.

443 Technical terms
ABC
(A
ctive B
ody C
ontrol)
Active, computer-controlled system
that hydraulically adjusts the suspen-
sion at all four wheels in response to
various driving situations.
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Accessory weight
(
page 323)
ADS
(Adaptive D
amping S
ystem)
Automatically adapts the optimum sus-
pension damping to prevailing driving
conditions.Airmatic
Automatically selects the optimum sus-
pension tuning and ride height for your
vehicle. Airmatic consists of two com-
ponents:


Adaptive Damping System


Vehicle level control
Air pressure
(
page 323)
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
Aspect ratio
(page 323)BabySmart
TM1
air bag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front air bag when such
a seat is properly installed
(the58indicator lamp in the
center console comes on).
BabySmart
TM
compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the front pas-
senger seat prevents deployment of
the passenger front air bag if a
BabySmartTM compatible child seat is
installed. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.
Bar
(
page 323)
1BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automo-
tive Corp.

451 Index
A
ABC 232, 443
Messages in display 351
Setting vehicle level 230, 233
ABS 25, 79, 443
Malfunction indicator lamp 340
Messages in display 353
Warning lamp 340
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 177
Accessory weight 323
Accident
In case of 54
Activating
Air conditioner (cooling) 202
Air conditioning 202
Air recirculation mode 198
Anti-theft alarm system 86
Central locking (control system) 168
Charcoal filter 200
Distance warning function* 227
Distronic* 223
Easy-entry/exit feature 170
ESP
®
83
Exterior lamps 132
Exterior rear view mirror parking position 187
Front and rear fog lamp 132, 134
Hazard warning flasher 136
Headlamps 50
High beams 135
Ignition 34
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 36
Immobilizer 57, 85
Limiting opening height of trunk
lid* 169
Manual shift program S 55 AMG and
S 65 AMG 184
Rear window defroster 201
Residual heat 202, 207
Seat heater 125, 126
Seat ventilation* 127
Tow-away alarm 88
Windshield wipers 52
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 229,
443
Adding
Coolant 294
Engine oil 292
Additional turn signals 395
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger compartment 204
Adjusting 37
Air distribution 196, 206
Air volume 197
Backrest tilt 38
Drive-dynamic seat* 171
Exterior rear view mirrors 41
Head restraint height 39
Head restraint tilt 39
Instrument cluster illumination 140
Interior rear view mirror 41
Lumbar support 122
Mirrors 41
Multicontour backrest* 122
Power seat bench* 117
Seat cushion depth 38, 123
Seat cushion tilt 38
Seat fore and aft adjustment 38
Seat height 38
Seat in the lumbar region 123
Seat in the shoulder region 123
Seats 37
Steering column height 40
Steering column in or out 40
Steering column up or down 40
Steering wheel 40

452 IndexADS 229, 443
Air bag off indicator lamp 348
Air bags 61
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 73, 443
Children 62
Front 65
Passenger 65
Safety guidelines 64
Side impact 66
Window curtain 66
Air conditioning
Turning off 202
Turning on 202
Air pressure 323
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 198
Activating 198
Deactivating 199
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 204
Air volume
Adjusting 197
AIRMATIC 229
Airmatic 229, 443
Messages in display 358Alarm
Audible 78, 87, 89
Canceling 87, 89
Visual 86
Alarm system
Anti-theft 86
Anti-theft alarm system indicator
lamp 27
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 385,
406, 443
Antiglare
Automatic 186
Antilock brake system (ABS) 443
Antilock Brake System see ABS 25
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 86
Canceling alarm 87
Disarming 87
Anti-theft systems 85
Anti-theft alarm system 86
Anti-theft alarm system indicator
lamp 27
Immobilizer 85
Tow-away alarm 88
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning 277Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 243,
244, 245, 246
Ashtray 249
Aspect ratio 323
At the gas station 284
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) 293
AUDIO menu 148
Selecting CD track 150
Selecting MP3-CD track 150
Selecting radio station 149
Selecting satellite radio* station (USA
only) 149
Audio system
CD mode 151
Auto-dimming for rear view mirror 186
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 168
Automatic climate control 192
Air recirculation mode 198
Defrosting 197
Rear window defroster 201
Setting the temperature 195
Setting the temperature in the rear
passenger compartment 206

456 IndexConvenience submenu 169
Activating easy-entry/exit
feature 170
Adjusting drive-dynamic seat* 171
Setting key-dependency 169
Setting parking position for exterior
rear view mirror 170, 172
Coolant 294
Adding 294
Checking level 294
Messages in display 362, 363
Temperature 283
Temperature gauge 141
Warning lamp 363
Coolant level
Checking 294
Coolant temperature gauge 25
Courtesy lighting 139
Cruise control 215, 444
Canceling 216
Driving downhill 216
Driving uphill 216
Fine adjustment 217
Lever 222
Setting current speed 216Setting to last stored speed (“Resume”
function) 217
Cruise control lever 215
Cup holder
Cleaning 337
Closing 249
In front seat armrest 248
In rear seat armrest 249
Opening 249
Curb weight 323, 444
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 444
D
Daytime running lamp mode 133
Setting 165
Deactivating
Air conditioner (cooling) 202
Air recirculation mode 199
Alarm 87
Anti-theft alarm system 87
Automatic climate control 195, 206
Central locking (control system) 168
Charcoal filter 200
Defrost 197
Distance warning function* 227Distronic* 225
Engine with the SmartKey 57
ESP
®
82
Exterior lamps 132
Hazard warning flasher 136
Headlamps 57
Immobilizer 85
Interior illumination delayed
switch-off 167
Limiting opening height of trunk
lid* 169
Manual shift program S 55 AMG and
S 65 AMG 185
Rear window defroster 201
Residual heat 203, 207
Seat heater 125, 126
Seat ventilation* 127
Tow-away alarm 88
Deceleration
With Distronic* 221
Deep water see Standing water 280
Defrosting 197
Delayed switch-off
Interior illumination 167
Department of Transportation see DOT