warning MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2008 W221 Comand Manual

535 Controls in detail
Useful features
Rear window sunshade
The switches are on the rear doors.
1Extend
2Retract
You can also operate the rear window sun-
shade via COMAND (
page 271) or via
the favorite button (
page 263).

Switch on the ignition (
page 370).

Press upper part 1 of the rocker
switch briefly to extend the sunshade.

Press lower part 2 of the rocker
switch briefly to retract the sunshade.

Reverse the extending or retracting
procedure: Press lower part2 or up-
per part1 of the rocker switch.Warning!
G
When operating the rear window sunshade,
be sure that there is no danger of anyone be-
ing harmed by the extending or retracting
procedure.
i
Operating the rear window sunshade from
the rear is not possible if you activate the over-
ride switch (
page 64).
i
If you operate the rear window sunshade via
COMAND or via the favorite button, this takes
precedence over the rear window sunshade but-
tons on the rear doors.
i
The rear window sunshade is switched off at
temperatures below -4°F (-20°C).

536 Controls in detailUseful featuresAshtrays
Center console ashtray
1Button for disengaging ashtray
2Cover plateOpening ashtray

Press mark on cover plate2 forward.
Removing ashtray insert

Push sliding button1 to the left.
The ashtray is disengaged and slides
out a short way.

Remove the insert from the ashtray
frame.
Reinstalling ashtray insert

Install the insert by pushing it back into
the frame until it engages.
Closing ashtray

Briefly press mark on cover plate2
forward.
Rear door ashtray
Opening ashtray

Lift up the cover.Removing ashtray insert
1Insert

Press the open cover outwards beyond
the stop.
Ashtray insert1 pops out of the hold-
er.

Remove insert by pulling it upward.
Reinstalling ashtray insert

Install the insert by pushing it back into
the frame until it engages.
Warning!
G
Remove ashtray only with vehicle standing
still. Engage the electronic parking brake to
secure vehicle from movement. Set auto-
matic transmission to park positionP. With
the automatic transmission set to park
positionP, turn off the engine.

537 Controls in detail
Useful features
Cigarette lighters
1Center console cigarette lighter

Open the cover plate (
page 536).

Switch on the ignition (
page 370).

Push in cigarette lighter1.
The lighter will pop out automatically
when hot.1Rear center console lighter

Switch on the ignition (
page 370).

Push in cigarette lighter1.
The lighter will pop out automatically
when hot.
Warning!
G
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure that any children traveling with
you do not injure themselves or start a fire
with the hot cigarette lighter.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised ac-
cess to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
To avoid possible injury to children sitting in
the rear seat, activate the override switch
(page 64). Activation of the override
switch deactivates the rear center console
lighter.

538 Controls in detailUseful features
Power outlet
The power outlet is located in the rear cen-
ter console.
Switch on the ignition (
page 370).

Flip up cover1 and insert electrical
plug (cigarette lighter type).
Floormats*
!
The lighter socket can be used to accommo-
date 12V DC electrical accessories (up to a max-
imum of 85 W) designed for use with the
standard “cigarette lighter” plug type. Keep in
mind, however, that connecting accessories to
the lighter socket (for example extensive con-
necting and disconnecting, or using plugs that do
not fit properly) can damage the lighter socket.
With the socket damaged, the lighter may no
longer be able to be placed in the heating
(pushed-in) position, or the lighter may pop out
too early with the lighter not hot enough.
To help avoid damaging the cigarette lighter
socket, we recommend connecting 12V DC elec-
trical accessories designed for use with a stan-
dard “cigarette lighter” plug type.
i
Operation of the rear door lighters is only
possible, if the override switch (
page 64) is de-
activated.
i
If the engine is off and the cigarette lighter is
being used extensively, the vehicle battery may
become discharged.
i
The power outlet can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical accessories
(e.g. air pump, auxiliary lamps) up to a maximum
of 180 W.
If the engine is off and the outlet is being used
extensively, the vehicle battery may become dis-
charged.
Warning!
G
Whenever you are using floormats, make
sure there is enough clearance and that the
floormats are securely fastened.
Floormats should always be securely fas-
tened using the eyelets and the retainer
pins.
Before driving off, check that the floormats
are securely in place and adjust them if nec-
essary. A loose floormat could slip and
hinder proper functioning of the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of
each other as this may impair pedal move-
ment.i
To install or remove the floormat more easi-
ly, move the driver’s seat or front passenger seat
as far to the rear as possible (
page 373).

539 Controls in detail
Useful features
1Retainer pin
2Eyelet
Removing
Pull floormat off of retainer pins1.

Remove the floormat.
Installing

Lay down the floormat in the respective
footwell.

Press the floormat eyelets2 onto re-
tainer pins1.
Telephone*
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit, should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
The external antenna must be approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Please contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for informa-
tion on the installation of an approved
external antenna. Refer to the radio trans-
mitter operation instructions regarding use
of an external antenna.Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Warning!
G
Please do not forget that your primary re-
sponsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be
his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we rec-
ommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop before placing or taking a tele-
phone call.
If you choose to use the mobile phone
1
while driving, please use the hands-free de-
vice and only use the mobile phone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a mobile telephone while driving a ve-
hicle.
Only operate the COMAND (Cockpit Man-
agement and Data System)
1 if road, weather
and traffic conditions permit.
1Observe all legal requirements.


543 Controls in detail
Useful features
The Tele Aid system is operational provid-
ing that the vehicle’s battery is charged,
properly connected, not damaged and mo-
bile phone and GPS coverage are available.
The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can
be adjusted when using the volume control
on the multifunction steering wheel. To
raise, press buttonæ and to lower,
press buttonç or use the COMAND
volume thumbwheel , on the lower
part of the front center console
(page 98).

To activate, press the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button• or
the Information button¡, depend-
ing on the type of response required.Shortly after the completion of your
Tele Aid acquaintance call, you will receive
a user ID and password. By visiting
www.mbusa.com and selecting “Tele Aid”
(USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock and
more.
System self-check
Initially, after switching on the ignition,
malfunctions are detected and indicated.
If a malfunction is detected, the indicator
lamps in the SOS button, the Roadside As-
sistance button• and the Information
button¡ stay on longer than
10 seconds or do not come on. The mes-
sage “Tele Aid Not Activated” or “Tele Aid
Inoperative” appears in the multifunction
display.
i
The Tele Aid system utilizes the mobile
phone network for communication and the GPS
(Global Positioning System) satellites for vehicle
location. If either of these signals are unavail-
able, the Tele Aid system may not function and if
this occurs, assistance must be summoned by
other means.
i
The SOS button is located above the interior
rear view mirror (
page 545).
The Roadside Assistance button• and the
Information button¡ are located below the
center armrest cover (page 546).
Warning!
G
If the indicator lamps in the SOS button, in
the Roadside Assistance button•
and/or in the Information button¡ do
not come on during the system self-check,
or if any of these indicators remain illuminat-
ed continuously in red and/or the message
“Tele Aid Not Activated” or “Tele Aid Inoper-
ative” is displayed in the multifunction dis-
play after the system self-check, a
malfunction in the system has been detect-
ed.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined
above, the system may not operate as ex-
pected. Have the system checked at the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.

544 Controls in detailUseful featuresEmergency calls
An emergency call is initiated
automatically following an accident in
which the emergency tensioning devices
(ETDs) or air bags deploy.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually by opening the cover next to the
interior rear view mirror labeled SOS, then
briefly pressing the button located under
the cover. For instructions on initiating an
emergency call manually (
page 545).
Once the emergency call is in progress, the
indicator lamp in the SOS button will begin
to flash. The message:


“Connecting Call” appears in the multi-
function display


“Emergency Call Activated” appears in
the COMAND display
and the audio system is muted. When the
connection is established, the message:


“Call Connected” appears in the multi-
function display


“Emergency Call Activated” appears in
the COMAND display
All information relevant to the emergency,
such as the location of the vehicle (deter-
mined by the GPS satellite location sys-
tem), vehicle model, identification number
and color are generated.
A voice connection between the Response
Center and the occupants of the vehicle
will be established automatically soon af-
ter the emergency call has been initiated.
The Response Center will attempt to deter-
mine more precisely the nature of the acci-
dent provided they can speak to an
occupant of the vehicle.The Tele Aid system is available if


it has been activated and is operation-
al. Activation requires a subscription
for monitoring services, connection,
and cellular air time


the relevant monitoring service and
GPS coverage are available and pass
the information on to the Response
Center


there is sufficient voltage in the vehicle
batteries
i
During the emergency call message “Emer-
gency Call Activated” is displayed, operation
from COMAND is not possible. The automatic cli-
mate control can be still adjusted using the
switches on the climate control panel.
i
If no vehicle occupant responds, an ambu-
lance will be sent to the vehicle immediately.
i
Location of the vehicle on a map is only pos-
sible if the vehicle is able to receive signals from
the GPS satellite network and pass the informa-
tion on to the Response Center.Warning!
G
If the indicator lamp in the SOS button is
flashing continuously and there was no
voice connection to the Response Center
established, then the Tele Aid system could
not initiate an emergency call (e.g. the rele-
vant mobile phone network is not available).

545 Controls in detail
Useful features
Initiating an emergency call manually
1SOS button
2Cover
Briefly press button on cover2 to
open.
Cover 2 will open.

Press SOS button1 (for longer than
2 seconds).
The indicator lamp in SOS button1
will flash until the emergency call is
concluded.

Wait for a voice connection to the
Response Center.

Close cover2 after the emergency
call is concluded.
The message:

“Call Failed” appears in the multifunc-
tion display for approximately
10 seconds.


A pop-up window with the message:
“Call could not be connected! Please dial
911 directly using the mobile telephone
keypad.” appears in the COMAND dis-
play. Confirm the message pressing
n

(
page 90).
Should this occur, assistance must be sum-
moned by other means.
i
During the emergency call the mobile phone
is switched off automatically and must be
switched back on to make a call.
i
The roof cargo container* may impair mo-
bile phone reception. In an emergency, remove
the mobile phone from the mobile phone cradle
(
page 539) to make a call.
i
The “911” emergency call system is a public
service. Using it without due cause is a criminal
offense.
Warning!
G
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, ve-
hicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
pressed the emergency button. Carefully
leave the vehicle and move to a safe loca-
tion. The Response Center will automatically
contact local emergency officials with the
vehicle’s approximate location if they
receive an automatic SOS signal and cannot
make voice contact with the vehicle occu-
pants.

551 Controls in detail
Useful features
Garage door opener
The integrated remote control is capable of
operating up to three separately controlled
devices. It provides a convenient way to re-
place up to three hand-held remote con-
trols used to operate devices such as
garage door openers, gate openers, or oth-
er devices compatible with HomeLink
® or
some other systems.
Before the integrated remote control can
be used, it must be programmed to the ga-
rage door opener, gate operator or other
device you wish to operate. See the follow-
ing instructions for programming informa-
tion.
Interior rear view mirror with integrated
remote control1Indicator lamp
2 3 4Signal transmitter button
Needed for programming (not part of vehi-
cle equipment):
5Hand-held remote control of ga-
rage door opener, gate operator
or other device
6Hand-held remote control
button
Warning!
G
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent po-
tential harm or damage. When programming
a garage door opener, the door moves up or
down. When programming a gate operator,
the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control
with any garage door opener that lacks
safety stop and reverse features as required
by U.S. federal safety standards (this
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982).
A garage door that cannot detect an object
– signaling the door to stop and reverse –
does not meet current U.S. federal safety
standards.
When programming a garage door opener,
park the vehicle outside the garage.


559 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended tire
inflation pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance System. Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips, and in hilly area.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!
G
Make sure that absolutely no objects are ob-
structing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta-
cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure the pedals still have
sufficient clearance. Otherwise this could
lead to accidents or injury.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.