automatic transmission MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2005 Owner's Manual

429 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore use only
brands tested and approved by us.Please refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter
S 430
S 500
S 55 AMG
S 600
8.5 US qt. (8.0 l)
8.5 US qt. (8.0 l)
7.9 US qt. (7.5 l)
9.5 US qt. (9.0 l)
Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission
S 600
9.1 US qt. (8.6 l)
8.1 US qt. (7.7 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear axle
S55AMG
S 600
1.7 US qt. (1.6 l)
2.1 US qt. (2.0 l)
2.1 US qt. (2.0 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Front axle
S 430 4MATIC
S 500 4MATIC
0.63 US qt. (0.6 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Transfer case
S 430 4MATIC
S 500 4MATIC
0.62 US qt. (0.585 l)
MB Transfer Case Oil
Hydraulic system for ADS or ABC
4.2 US qt. (4.0 l)
MB Hydraulic Fluids
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt. (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin
CHF 11S)

439 Technical terms
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
FSS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates
engine temperature, oil level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last
maintenance service, and calls for the
next maintenance service accordingly.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs DVD digital maps for
navigation.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.
KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a SmartKey.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.

441 Technical terms
Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing:


Engine


Clutch/torque converter


Transmission


Transfer case


Drive shaft


Differential


Axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operationS and
comfort operationC.
S 55 AMG with steering wheel gearshift
control and manual shift program: in
addition toS andC (see above), you
can useM for manual operation.REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, air bags
and child restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out
of positionP without the SmartKey
turned and the brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and air bags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.

443 Index
A
ABC 231, 437
Messages in display 349, 354
Setting vehicle level 230, 232
ABS 25, 80, 437
Malfunction indicator lamp 338
Messages in display 350
Warning lamp 338
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 180
Accessory weight 322
Accident
In case of 54
Activating
Air conditioner (cooling) 203
Air conditioning 202
Air recirculation mode 199
Anti-theft alarm system 87
Central locking (control system) 168
Charcoal filter 200
Distance warning function* 226
Distronic* 222
Easy-entry/exit feature 170ESP 84
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, 86
Limiting opening height of trunk
lid* 169
Manual shift program S 55 AMG 183
Rear window defroster 201
Residual heat 203
Seat heater 125, 126
Seat ventilation* 127
Tow-away alarm 89
Windshield wipers 52Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 229,
437
Adding
Coolant 293
Engine oil 291
Additional turn signals 390
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 204
Adjusting 37
Air distribution 196
Air volume 198
Backrest tilt 38
Drive-dynamic seat* 172
Exterior rear view mirror 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

445 Index
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 245,
246, 247
Ashtray 251
Aspect ratio 322
At the gas station 283
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) 292
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 199
Defrosting 199
Rear window defroster 201
Setting the temperature 195
Automatic headlamp mode 132Automatic lighting control
Activating 137
Deactivating 137
Automatic locking when driving 112
Automatic shift program
Automatic transmission 179
Automatic transmission 173
Accelerator position 180
Automatic shift program 179
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 185
Fluid level 292
Gear ranges 176
Gear selector lever position 173, 177
Gear shifting malfunctions 185
Kickdown 180
Kickdown, manual shift program S 55
AMG 184
Manual shift program S 55 AMG 183
Manual shifting 175
One-touch gearshifting 175
Starting the engine 46
Steering wheel gearshift control S 55
AMG 181
Transmission fluid 292
Auxiliary fuse box 412B
BabySmart
TM
Air bag deactivation system 73
Compatible child seats 73, 437
Self-test 74
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 437
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 123
Shoulder region 123
Backup lamps 390, 395
Bulbs 390
Bar 322
BAS 81, 437
Messages in display 351
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 95
Checking 95
Replacing 387
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking 101
Battery discharged
Jump starting 406

453 Index
G
Garage door opener 264
Erasing in remote control 269
Integrated remote control 266
Rolling code programming 267
Gasoline see Fuel 284
GAWR 322
Gear range 439
Automatic transmission 176
Limiting 176
Shifting into optimal 175
Gear range limit
Canceling 175
Gear selector lever
Cleaning 335
Position (Automatic
transmission) 177
Position (automatic
transmission) 173
Glasses
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 246Global
Locking 94
Unlocking 94
Global Positioning System (GPS) 439
Glove box 244
Closing 244
Locking 244
Opening 244
Unlocking 244
Gloves (vehicle tool kit) 380
Good visibility 186
GPS 255, 439
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GVW 322
GVWR 323
H
Hand-held transmitter
Programming integrated remote
control 266
Hands-free microphone 29Hard plastic trim items
Cleaning 335
Hazard warning flasher 136
Switching off 136
Switching on 136
Head restraints 116
Headlamp cleaning system* 295
Headlamps
Automatic control 132
Bi-Xenon 437
Cleaning 332
Cleaning system* 186, 295
Refilling washer fluid 295
Switching off 57
Switching on 50
Headliner
Cleaning 335
Heated steering wheel* 253
Height adjustment
Head restraints 39
Steering wheel 40

457 Index
M
Main 428
Main Dimensions 428
Maintenance 12, 328
Maintenance service
Calling up the maintenance service
indicator 329
Overdue 329
Maintenance service indicator
Calling up 329
Clearing 328
Resetting 329
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) 440
Manual headlamp mode 132
Manual operations
Closing the power tilt/sliding
sunroof 386
Fuel filler flap 385
Interior lighting control 137
Locking the vehicle 384
Opening the power tilt/sliding
sunroof 386
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 386
Unlocking the driver’s door 383Manual shift program S 55 AMG
Activating 183
Automatic transmission 183
Deactivating 185
Massage function 123
MAXCOOL
Maximum cooling 198
Maximum inflation pressure 323
Maximum load rating 323
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 323
Mechanical key 383
Memory function 128, 440
Recalling positions from
memory 129
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing positions 130
Storing key dependent settings 129
Menus 145
AUDIO 148
Distronic* 156, 220
In control system 146, 147
NAVI 155
Settings menu 160Standard display 148
Submenus 145
TEL* 153
Trip computer 157
Vehicle status message memory 159
Microphone
Hands-free microphone 29
Miles/kilometers in speedometer
Setting 163
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position 187
Adjusting 41
Auto-dimming for rear view
mirror 186
Exterior rear view mirror 41
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 171
Interior rear view mirror 41
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing position 130
MON 284
MON (Motor Octane Number) 440

464 IndexSettings
Calling up Distronic* 156, 220
Convenience functions 169
Factory, SmartKey 94
Individual (SmartKey) 169
Lighting (control system) 164
Menus and submenus 145
Resetting all (control system) 160
Resetting in the submenu 161
Selective 94, 100
Settings menu
Functions in 160
Individual vehicle settings 160
Submenus 161
Shift lock 441
Shifting
Gear selector lever positions 177
Into optimal gear range (automatic
transmission) 175
Shoulder support
Seat adjustment 123
Side impact air bags 65
Side marker lamps
Replacing bulbs 390, 394Side windows
Automatic closing 208
Automatic opening 208
Cleaning 334
Closing fully (Express-close) 208
Opening 208
Opening fully (Express-open) 208
Stopping 209
Synchronizing power windows 209
Sidewall 323
Simultaneous wiping and washing
Windshield wipers 53
Single wipe 53
SmartKey 92
Battery check lamp 94, 100
Factory setting 94
Global locking 94
Global locking and unlocking 94
Global unlocking 94
Lock button 92
Locking 58
Locking and unlocking 92
Loss of 96Remote control 92
Replacing the batteries 387
Replacing the battery 387
Restoring to factory setting 95
Selective setting 94
Starting the engine 46
Turning off the engine 57
Unlock button 92
Unlocking 32
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 96
Checking the battery 101
Factory setting 99
Global locking 99
Global unlocking 100
Lock button 96
Locking the vehicle 101
Loss of 102
Messages in display 364
Remote control 96
Replacing the battery 387, 388
Selective setting 100
Unlock button 96
Unlocking 33, 96

465 Index
Snow chains 327
Spare fuses 380
Spare wheel
Mounting 398
Speed
Setting current 215
Setting to last stored speed in Distron-
ic* (“Resume” function) 223
Speed settings
Cruise control 216
Distronic* 222, 223
To last stored speed (“Resume” func-
tion) in Cruise control 216
Speedometer
Displays 219
Settings units 163
Speedometer display mode
Selecting 163
Sporty driving style 232
SRS 68, 441
Indicator lamp 345
SRS indicator lamp 60Standing lamps 131
Replacing bulbs 390, 394
Standing water
Driving instructions 280
Starting difficulties 47
Starting the engine 46
Steering column
Height adjustment 40
Length adjustment 40
Steering wheel
Adjusting 40
Adjustment 40
Cleaning 335
Heated steering wheel* 253
Steering wheel adjustment 40
Steering wheel gearshift control S 55 AMG
Automatic transmission 181
Stolen vehicle
Recovery services 263
Stopping
Tilt/sliding sunroof 213
Windows 209Storage compartments 243
Armrest 245, 246, 247
Cup holder 248, 250
Glove box 244
In front of armrest 247
Parcel net 250
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 245
Storage tray 245, 246, 247
Under the front seats 248
Storing (Memory function*)
Positions into memory 129
Storing tires 298
Submenus
Convenience 169
For settings 145
In control system 147
Instrument cluster 163
Lighting 164
Resetting functions in Control
system 161
Selecting 161
Settings menu 161
Vehicle 168

467 Index
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 402
Tilt/sliding sunroof
Stopping 213
Synchronizing 213
TIN 324
Tire
Vehicle maximum load on 324
Tire and Loading Information 300
Tire and loading terminology 322
Tire care and maintenance 297
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 285, 305, 307
Setting units 164
Tire inflation pressure see the placard on
the fuel filler flap
Tire inspection 297
Tire load rating 324
Tire ply composition and material
used 324
Tire speed rating 278, 314, 324, 442
Tire terminology 322
Tire traction 277Tires 296
Direction of rotation 299
Driving instructions 276
Messages in display 372–378
Retreads 296
Rotating 325
Service life 297
Temperature 306, 321
Tire inflation pressure monitor warning
lamp 344
Tread depth 298, 326
Wear pattern 325
Winter 326
Tools 379
Tow-away alarm 89
Arming 89
Disarming 89
Disarming for transport 89
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit) 380
Installing 410
Towing the vehicle 408
Traction 179, 324, 442
Transmission see Automatic
transmission 292
Tread 324
Tread depth 298Tread depth (tires) 326
Treadwear indicators 324
Trip computer 157
Trip odometer
Resetting 141
Trunk
Auxiliary fuse box 412
Closing 105
Closing from the inside
automatically* 105
Lighting 138, 139
Lock button, KEYLESS-GO* 101
Message in display 371
Opening 103
Opening from inside vehicle 104
Opening with SmartKey 95
Parcel net 250
Tie-down hooks 241
Trunk lid 103, 105
Trunk lock 384
Unlocking with SmartKey 95
Unlocking with SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 102
Trunk lid
Limiting opening height* 105
Trunk lid emergency release 111