cruise control MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2003 User Guide

206 Controls in detailDriving systemsDeactivating Distronic
There are several ways to deactivate the
Distronic system:
Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow3 (
page 203).
or

Step on the brake pedal.
Distronic will be deactivated. The last
speed set will be stored into memory.Distronic deactivates automatically when:


you set the parking brake


you drive slower than
25 mph (40 km/h)


the ESP is active (
page 78) or you de-
activate the ESP


you move the transmission selector le-
ver into positionN
A signal will sound. The
DISTRONIC OFF

message appears in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.Setting the following distance in
Distronic
You can set the specified following dis-
tance for Distronic by varying the time set-
ting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using
this time setting and the current speed of
your vehicle, Distronic calculates and sets
the required following distance to the vehi-
cle ahead. The set distance will be shown
in the multifunction display field.
The thumbwheel for making the time set-
ting is located on the lower section of the
center console.
iThe following message will appear in
the multifunction display for approxi-
mately five seconds:
DISTRONIC OFF
.
The last stored speed is deleted when
you turn off the engine.
Warning!
G
Distronic switches off and releases the
brakes when the vehicle decelerates below
the minimum speed of approximately
25 mph (40 km / h) by operation of the sys-
tem. At that time the driver must apply the
brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed fur-
ther or bring it to a stop.

256 OperationDriving instructionsS 430, S 430 4MATIC, S 500, and
S 500 4MATIC
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“H”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).
S600
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 188 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).S430, S4304MATIC, S500,
S 500 4MATIC, and S 600 with
Sport Package*
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 188 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).
S55AMG
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 188 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move selector lever to position N. Try to
keep the vehicle under control by correc-
tive steering action.
iFor information on speed rating for win-
ter tires see “Winter tires”
(page 278).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains see “Snow chains”
(page 279).
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 control loss.

321 Practical hints
What to do if …?
ì
FUNCTION
NOT AVAILABLE!
This display appears if button
ì
or
í

on the multifunction steering wheel is
pressed and the vehicle is not equipped
with a telephone.
Ê
TRUNK OPEN!
This message will appear whenever the
trunk lid is open.

Close the trunk lid.
W
WASHER FLUID
CHECK LEVEL!
The fluid level has dropped to about
1/3 of
total reservoir capacity.

Add washer fluid (
page 271).
CRUISE CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL
VISIT WORKSHOP!
Cruise control or Distronic* is malfunction-
ing.

Have cruise control or Distronic*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
_
ENTRY POSITION
DO NOT DRIVE!
Seat, mirrors and steering wheel have not
yet moved to their preset driving positions.

Wait until the seat, mirrors and steer-
ing wheel have moved to their driving
positions.
The message will disappear.
±
DISPLAY MALFUNCTION
VISIT WORKSHOP!
Certain electronic systems are unable to
relay information to the control system.
The following systems may have failed:

Coolant temperature display


Tachometer


Cruise control display

Have the electronic systems
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution

382 Technical termsCOMAND
(C
ockpit M
anagement and D
ata Sys-
tem)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and navi-
gation, as well as for other optional
equipment (CD changer, telephone,
etc.).
Control system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to ad-
just settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.Distronic*
A driving convenience cruise control
system which helps the driver maintain
a pre-selected speed:


If there is no vehicle directly ahead,
the system operates in the same
way as conventional ->cruise con-
trol.


If a slower moving vehicle is ahead,
Distronic will reduce your vehicle
speed to the extent permitted by re-
duced throttle and up to 20% brak-
ing power to maintain the preset
minimum following distance.
Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and stamped on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine pro-
duced.Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction (vis-
cosity) of the oil at different tempera-
tures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tol-
erate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
(E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRS

391 Index
Closing
Cup holder 230
Glove box 224
Hood 264
Side windows 189
Side windows with KEYLESS-GO* 93
Sliding/pop-up roof 192, 330
Sliding/pop-up roof with KEY-
LESS-GO* 93, 190, 194
Sliding/pop-up roof with SmartKey
194
Trunk 97
Windows 188
Windows with KEYLESS-GO* 190, 194
Windows with SmartKey 190
Closing from the inside
Trunk 99
Closing sliding/pop-up roof
In an emergency 330
Cockpit 20, 381
Cockpit management and data system
(COMAND*) 382
COMAND* 382
COMAND* see separate operating instruc-
tionsCombination switch 123
High beam flasher 46, 123
Turn signals 46
Windshield wipers 47
Comfortable driving
Transmission program mode 164
Consumer information 378
Control and operation of radio transmitters
258
Control system 130, 382
AUDIO menu 135
Convenience submenu 155
Display digital speedometer 135
Distronic* menu 142
Functions 131, 134
Instrument cluster submenu 149
Lighting submenu 150
Malfunction memory menu 145
Menus 133, 134, 383
Multifunction display 130
Multifunction steering wheel 131
NAVI menu 142
Selecting radio system 136
Settings menu 146
Standard display menu 135
Submenus 132, 134TEL* menu 139
Trip computer menu 143
Vehicle submenu 154
Convenience submenu 155
Activating easy-entry/exit feature 156
Adjusting drive-dynamic seats 159
Setting key dependency 156
Setting parking position for exterior
rear view mirror 158
Coolant 268
Adding 269
Checking level 268
Messages in display 304, 305
Temperature 260
Temperature gauge 128
Warning lamp 305
Coolant level
Checking 268
Courtesy lighting 126
Cruise control 196, 382
Canceling 197
Driving downhill 197
Driving uphill 197
Fine adjustment 198
Lever 203
Setting current speed 197

392 Index
Setting to last stored speeds 198
Cruise control lever 196
Cup holder
Cleaning 287
Closing 230
In front seat armrest 229
In rear seat armrest 230
Opening 230
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 381
D
Daytime running lamp mode 122
Setting 151
Deactivating
Air conditioner (cooling) 184
Air recirculation mode 181
Alarm 83
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Automatic climate control 183
Central locking (control system) 155
Charcoal filter 182
Cruise control 197
Defrost 180
Distance warning function* 208
Distronic* 206
Engine with the SmartKey 52
ESP 80Exterior lamps 121
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 51
Immobilizer 82
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 153
Rear window defroster 183
Residual heat 185
Seat heater 111, 112
Seat ventilation* 110
Tow-away alarm 84
Deactivating steering wheel gearshift con-
trol 167
Deceleration
With Distronic* 202
Deep water see Standing water 257
Defrosting 180
Delayed shut-off
Interior lighting 153
Dialing
A number (telephone) 140
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while driv-
ing 48
Digital clock
Setting 23
Digital speedometer 135Direction of rotation (tires) 273
Discharged battery
Jump starting 347
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 345
Displays
Digital speedometer 135
Distronic* 201
Messages 265, 296
Service indicator 280
Showing malfunctions 145
Distance
Decreasing in Distronic* 207
Increasing in Distronic* 207
Setting in Distronic* 206
Warning function 207
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 143
Distance warning function* 207
Activating 208
Deactivating 208
DTR* warning lamp 207
Intermittent warning sound 207
Symbol in multifunction display 142

393 Index
Distronic* 199, 382
Activated 203
Activating 204
Calling up settings 142, 202
Cleaning system sensor 285
Cruise control lever 203
Deactivated 203
Deactivating 206
Deceleration 202
Decreasing distance 207
Decreasing time interval 206
Displays in the speedometer dial 201
Distance warning function 207
Driving hints 208
Fine adjustment 205
Increasing distance 207
Increasing time interval 206
Intermittent signal tone 201
Menu 202
Messages in display 307
Sensor cover 285
Setting a higher speed 204
Setting a slower speed 205
Setting following distance 206
Setting the current speed 204
Setting to last stored speed ("Resume" function) 205
Warning and indicator lamps 201
Door control panel 19, 28
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 244
Doors
Message in display 307
Opening from inside vehicle 94
Opening from outside 87
Downhill driving
Cruise control 197
Downshifting 161, 167
Drink holder see Cup holder 229
Drinking and driving 251
Drive-dynamic seat* 109
Drive-dynamic seats
Adjusting 159
Driving
Abroad 258
General instructions 40, 251
Hydroplaning 255
In winter 256
Problems 48
Safety systems 76
Through standing water 257
With Distronic* 208Driving abroad 258
Driving instructions 251
Driving off 253
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 81
ABS 76
BAS 78
ESP 78
Driving systems 196
ABC 213
AIRMATIC 211
Cruise control 196
Distronic* 199
Driving safety systems 76
Parktronic 218
Vehicle level control 212, 215
E
Easy-entry/exit feature 104
Activating 156
Interrupting movement 157
Electrical fuses 353
Electrical system 368
Electrically folding exterior rear view
mirrors 170
Electronic Stability Program see ESP 78,
382

394 IndexEmergency call system* 237
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 240
With Tele Aid* 238
Emergency engine shut-down 355
Emergency operation (Limp Home Mode)
165
Emergency operations
Closing sliding/pop-up roof 330
Locking the vehicle 327
Opening sliding/pop-up roof 330
Remote door unlock 244
Unlocking the trunk lid 327
Unlocking the vehicle 326
Emergency tensioning device see ETD 65,
382
Emission control 259
Ending
A call (telephone) 140
Engine 362
Compartment 263
Message in display 294
Starting 43
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 43
Starting with the Smartkey 43
Turning off with the Smartkey 52Engine cleaning 284
Engine compartment 263
Fuse box in 354
Hood 263
Engine malfunction indicator lamp 294
Engine number 382
Engine oil 264
Adding 266, 267
Additives 373
Checking level 264
Consumption 264
Display messages 308
Filler neck 267
Messages in display 265, 309
Viscosity 382
Engine oil level see Oil level 262
Engine shut down in an emergency 355
Entry position
Messages in display 321
ESP 78, 382
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP 81
Switching off 80
Switching on 80
Warning lamp 290ETD 382
Safety guidelines 60
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 65
Exterior lamp switch 120
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 39
Folding electrically 170
Parking position for 158
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 149
Fastening the seat belts 40
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 198
Distronic* 205
First aid kit 322
Flat tire 339
Lowering the vehicle 342
Mounting the spare wheel 339
Preparing the vehicle 339
Flexible Service System (FSS) 280, 383
Fog lamp, rear 123, 332
Fog lamps
Replacing bulbs 331

398 IndexLayout of poly-V-belt drive 361
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 287
Lever
For cruise control 203
License plate lamps
Replacing bulbs 332, 336
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 286
Light sensor 312
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 233
Lighting 120
Automatic headlamp mode 121
Combination switch 123
Daytime running lamp mode 122
Exterior lamp switch 120
Front fog lamps 122
High beam flasher 123
High beams 123
Instrument cluster illumination 127
Interior 124
Locator lighting 122
Low beam 120
Manual headlamp mode 121
Night security illumination 122
Parking lamps 120Rear fog lamp 123
Settings (control system) 150
Limiting the gear range 162
Limp Home Mode 165
Loading 222
Cargo tie-down hooks 223
Instructions 222
Roof rack 222
Locator lighting 122
Setting 151
Lock button 383
Lock buttons 383
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 53
Locking 50, 86
Fuel filler flap 261
Global (KEYLESS-GO* card) 91, 92
Global, SmartKey 87
The vehicle with KEYLESS-GO* 93
Trunk lid, separately 98
Vehicle in an emergency 327
Loss of keys 89, 94
Low beam headlamps
Messages in display 313, 314
Replacing bulbs 331
Lowering
Vehicle 342Lumbar support adjustment 104
M
Main Dimensions 369
Maintenance 12, 280
Malfunction
Displaying 145
Malfunction memory 145
Calling up 145
Manual headlamp mode 121
Manual operations
Fuel filler flap 329
Interior lighting control 125
Locking the vehicle 327
Sliding/pop-up roof 330
Unlocking the driver’s door 326
Unlocking the trunk lid 327
Manual shift program S 55 AMG 166
Massage function 109
MAXCOOL
Maximum cooling 179
Mechanical key 326
Memory function 117, 383
Recalling positions from memory 118
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing positions 118
Storing key dependent settings 118

404 IndexService System see FSS
Setting
Convenience functions 155
Cruise control 197
Daytime running lamp mode 151
Digital clock 23
Distronic* time interval 206
Following distance in Distronic* 206
Higher speed in cruise control 198
Higher speed in Distronic* 204
Individual vehicle settings 146
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 153
Key dependent memory 156
Lamps and lighting (control system)
150
Language, multifunction display 150
Locator lighting 151
Lower speed in cruise control 198
Lower speed in Distronic* 205
Miles/kilometers in speedometer 149
Parking position for exterior rear view
mirrors 158
Slower speed in cruise control 198
Slower speed in Distronic* 205
Speed in cruise control 198
Speed in Distronic* 204Speedometer display mode 149
Station selection mode 154
Suspension tuning 213
Temperature (interior) 177
Temperature indicator 149
Time 23
To last stored speed in Distronic* ("Re-
sume" function) 205
Units
Speedometer 149
Temperature 149
Vehicle level control 212, 215
Setting current speed 197
Setting passenger seat position from rear*
115
Settings
Calling up Distronic* 142, 202
Convenience functions 155
Factory, SmartKey 87
Individual (SmartKey) 156
Lighting (control system) 150
Menus and submenus 132
Resetting all (control system) 146
Resetting in the submenu 147
Selective 87Settings menu
Functions in 146
Individual vehicle settings 146
Submenus 147
Shift lock 385
Shifting
Gear selector lever positions 163
Into optimal gear range (automatic
transmission) 161
Shoulder support
Seat adjustment 108
Side impact airbags 61
Side marker lamps
Replacing bulbs 331, 332, 335
Side windows
Automatic opening 189
Cleaning 286
Closing 188, 189, 190
Closing with KEYLESS-GO* 93, 190,
194
Closing with SmartKey 190
Opening 188, 190
Opening fully 189
Opening with SmartKey 190
Stopping 189
Synchronizing power windows 191