maintenance MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2005 Owner's Manual

431 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 is used in the air condition-
ing system.Never use R-12 (CFC) or miner-
al-based lubricating 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. Under extremely strenu-
ous operating conditions, this moisture
content can lead to the formation of bub-
bles in the system, thus reducing the sys-
tem’s efficiency.Therefore, the brake fluid
must be replaced every two years, prefera-
bly in the spring.Only brake fluid approved
by Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.

433 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
In areas where carbon deposits may be en-
countered due to lack of availability of gas-
olines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to Factory
Approved Service Products Pamphlet for a
listing of approved product(s). Follow di-
rections on product label.
Do not blend any specific fuel additives
with fuel. This only results in unnecessary
cost and may be harmful to the engine op-
eration.
Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending addition-
al fuel additives other than those tested
and approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles listed in the Fac-
tory Approved Service Products Pamphlet
are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which pro-
vides:

Corrosion protection


Freeze protection


Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).The coolant solution must be used
year-round to provide the necessary corro-
sion protection and increase boil-over pro-
tection. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
replacement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see
Factory Approved Service Products pam-
phlet) are used to renew the coolant con-
centration or bring it back up to the proper
level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze [equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately - 22°F
(-30°C)]. If you use a solution that is more
than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze [freeze
protection to approximately - 49°F
(-45°C)], the engine temperature will in-
crease due to the lower heat transfer capa-

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.

440 Technical termsLine of fall
The direct line that an object moves
downhill when influenced by the force
of gravity alone.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Maintenance
System in your vehicle tracks distance
driven and the time elapsed since your
last maintenance service, and calls for
the next maintenance service accord-
ingly.
Memory function
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and exterior mirror posi-
tions for each SmartKey or SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO*.MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline's
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Multifunction display
Display field in the speedometer used
to present information provided by the
control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine sp ee d ra nge , a s i t m ay re sul t in s e-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Parktronic system (Parking assist)*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.

446 IndexBattery, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Check lamp 101
Replacing 388
Battery, vehicle 294, 403
Charging 404
Disconnecting 404
Reconnecting 405
Reinstalling 404
Removing 404
Bead 322
Bi-Xenon headlamps 437
Block heater (Canada only) 327
Blocking
Rear window operation 78
Brake assist system (BAS) 437
Brake fluid 284, 431
Brake lamp bulbs 390
Brake lamp, high mounted 390
Brake pads
Message in display 357
Brakes 274
Warning lamp 339
Break-in period 272Bulbs, replacing 389
Additional turn signals 390
Backup lamps 390
Brake lamps 390
Fog lamps 390
Front lamps 390
High beam 390
High mounted brake lamp 390
License plate lamps 390, 395
Low beam 390
Parking and standing lamps 390
Parking lamps 390, 394
Rear fog lamp 390, 395
Rear fog lamps 394
Side marker lamps 390, 394
Standing lamps 390, 394
Tail lamp assemblies 390
Tail lamp unit 395
Turn signal lamps 390C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 437
Calling up
Distronic* settings 156
Maintenance service indicator 329
Range (distance to empty) 158
CAN system 438
Canceling
Cruise control 215
Cargo tie-down hooks 241
Catalytic converter 281
CD changer* 151
CD mode 151
CD operation
Selecting tracks 150
Center console 27
Air bag off indicator lamp 346
Front passenger front air bag off indica-
tor lamp 346

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

459 Index
One-touch gearshifting 175
Canceling gear range limit 175
Downshifting 175
Upshifting 175
Opening
Ashtray 251
Cup holder 250
Doors from the inside 102
Fuel filler flap 283
Fuel filler flap manually 385
Glove box 244
Hood 286
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 211
Power windows 207
Side windows 208
Storage compartment in the center
console 245
Storage compartments in the
armrest 246
Storage compartments in the center
console 246, 247
Trunk 103
Trunk lid from the inside 104
Trunk with SmartKey 95Opening in an emergency
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 386
Operating
COMAND* see separate operating in-
structions
Garage door opener 269
Integrated remote control 269
Navigation system 155
Radio 149
Radio transmitters 280
Telephone* 153
Vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 13
Operating safety 16
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings 332
Outside temperature indicator 142
Overdue maintenance service 329
Overhead control panel 29
Garage door opener 29
Reading lamp 29
Rear view mirror 29
Tele Aid button 29Override switch see Blocking of rear win-
dow operation 78
Overspeed range 440
P
Paintwork 331
Panic alarm 79
Panic button on SmartKey 79
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 250
Parcel net in trunk 250
Parking 55, 275
Parking and standing lamps
Replacing bulbs 390
Parking assist
Parktronic system* 235
Parking brake 48, 56
Engaging 56
Message in display 356
Releasing 48
Warning sound 49
Parking lamps
Replacing bulbs 390, 394
Switching on 131

462 IndexRemote controls
Integrated 266
Remote door unlock
With Tele Aid 262
Removing
Vehicle battery 404
Wheel 401
Wiper blades 396
Replacing
Backup lamp bulbs 394
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 388
Brake fluid 431
Brake lamp bulbs 394
Bulbs 389
Front lamp bulbs 392
License plate lamp bulbs 395
Parking lamp bulbs 394
Rear fog lamp bulbs 394, 395
Rear lamp bulbs 390, 394
Rear turn signal bulbs 394
Side marker lamp bulbs 394
Standing lamp bulbs 394
Wiper blades 396Reporting
Safety defects 18
Reset button in the instrument
cluster 160
Resetting
All functions (control system) 160
All functions of a submenu 161
Fuel consumption 158
Maintenance service indicator 329
Trip odometer 141
Residual heat utilization 203, 441
Residual ventilation 203
REST (Residual engine heat
utilization) 441
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems 71, 75
Rim 323
Rims and Tires 422
Roadside assistance 12
Tele Aid* 258
Rolling code programming 267
RON (Research Octane Number) 284,
441
Roof rack 240
Rubber parts
Cleaning 336S
Safety
Occupant 60
Safety belts see Seat belts 43
Safety defects
Reporting 18
Safety systems
Driving 80
Screwdriver (vehicle tool kit) 380
Seat belt force limiter 69
Seat belts 66
Cleaning 335
Fastening 43
Proper use of 45, 68
Safety guidelines 64
Telltale 343
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 123
Seat for and aft adjustment 118
Seat heater
Switching off 125
Switching on 125
Seat height 118
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 127
Switching on 127

463 Index
Seating capacity 301
Seats 114
Adjusting 37
Adjusting lumbar support 123
Adjusting shoulder support 123
Easy entry/exit feature 114
Heater 125
Massage function 123
Multicontour backrest* 122
Rear power seat bench* 117
Rear seats 117
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down hooks 241
Selector lever
Lock 46, 173
Message in display 353
Self-test
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 74
Tele Aid 256
Service
Major service (Service B) 328
Minor service (Service A) 328
When due 328
Service (maintenance) 328
Service and warranty information 10Service indicator 328
Service life (tires) 297
Service System see FSS 328
Setting
Convenience functions 169
Cruise control 215
Daytime running lamp mode 165
Digital clock 25
Distronic* time interval 224
Following distance in Distronic* 224
Higher speed in cruise control 216
Higher speed in Distronic* 222
Individual vehicle settings 160
Interior illumination delayed
switch-off 167
Lamps and lighting (control
system) 164
Language, multifunction display 164
Locator lighting 166
Lower speed in cruise control 216
Lower speed in Distronic* 223
Miles/kilometers in
speedometer 163Parking position for exterior rear view
mirrors 171
Slower speed in cruise control 216
Slower speed in Distronic* 223
SmartKey dependent memory 169
Speed in Distronic* 222
Speedometer display mode 163
Suspension tuning 231
Temperature (interior) 195
Temperature indicator 163
Tire inflation pressure units 164
To last stored speed (“Resume” func-
tion) in cruise control 216
To last stored speed in Distronic* (“Re-
sume” function) 223
Units
Speedometer 163
Temperature 163
Tire inflation pressure 164
Vehicle level control 230, 232
Setting current speed 215
Setting front passenger seat position from
rear* 118

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