cooling MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2008 W221 Comand Manual

510 Controls in detailAutomatic climate controlAutomatic climate control panel, rear

Switching on automatic mode: Press
button 4 (
page 510) up or down re-
peatedly until “AUTO” mode is selected
in display.

Switching off rear climate control:
Press button 4 (
page 510) up or
down repeatedly until “OFF” mode is
selected in display.

Switching off automatic mode: Press
button 4 (
page 510) up or down re-
peatedly until “MAN” mode is selected
in display.

Setting temperature: Use tempera-
ture controls 1and6 (
page 510)
to separately adjust the air tempera-
ture on each side of the rear passenger
compartment.

Increasing/decreasing: Press
temperature control 1 or 6 up or
down.
The climate control system will cor-
respondingly adjust the interior air
temperature.

Adjusting air distribution: Press but-
ton 2 or 5 (
page 510) up or down
repeatedly until desired air distribution
is set.
The direction of the arrows represent
the air distribution. “MAN” appears in
the display over the button for the func-
tion mode.

Adjusting air volume: Press air vol-
ume control 3 (
page 510) up or
down.
The air volume is increased or de-
creased. “MAN” appears in the display
over the button for the function mode.
Item
1
Temperature control, left
2
Air distribution, left
(automatic, manual)
3
Air volume (automatic, manual)
4
Mode selector
5
Air distribution, right
(automatic, manual)
6
Temperature control, right
i
At low outside temperatures or if you have
switched off the cooling function, you cannot
cool the rear passenger compartment.
i
If the climate control system in the rear pas-
senger compartment is adjusted using COMAND
(
page 279), the) symbol appears in the
display of the rear control unit. The rear climate
control system can no longer be adjusted using
the rear control unit.

579 Operation
Engine compartment
Active Body Control* (ABC*) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If
you notice fluid leaks or malfunction mes-
sages in the multifunction display, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check
the ABC-system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level,

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground


the coolant temperature must be be-
low 158°F (70°C)
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine compart-
ment.
Example illustration from S 5501Cap
2Coolant expansion tank
Warning!
G
In order to avoid potentially serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.


Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.


Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately
1/2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.


Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.

679 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Check
Coolant Level
See Oper. Manual
The coolant level is too low.

Add coolant (
page 579).

If you have to add coolant frequently, have
the cooling system checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
!
Do not ignore the low engine coolant level
warning. Extended driving with the message and
symbol displayed may cause serious engine
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.
Do not drive without a sufficient amount of cool-
ant in the cooling system. The engine will over-
heat, causing major engine damage.

682 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Coolant Low
Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine Off

Restart the engine.
If this message disappears from the multi-
function display:
Drive immediately to the nearest autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If this message does not disappear from the
multifunction display:

Call Roadside Assistance.
The cooling fan for the coolant is malfunc-
tioning.

Observe the coolant temperature gauge in
the instrument cluster (
page 28).

Have the fan replaced as soon as possible.
You are driving with one or more doors
open.
The display symbol shows you which doors
are open.

Close the doors.

767 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Cooling
system
Vehicles without rear passen-
ger compartment climate
control*
S 450 4MATIC
1
S 550
S 550 4MATIC
1Canada only
12.15 US qt. (11.5 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
Vehicles with rear passenger
compartment climate control*
S 450 4MATIC
1
S 550
S 550 4MATIC
13.84 US qt. (13.1 l)
S 600
14.69 US qt. (13.9 l)
S63 AMG
11.83 US qt. (11.2 l)
S65 AMG
14.69 US qt. (13.9 l)
Low temperature cooling system
S 600
2.75 US qt. (2.6 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
S65 AMG
3.28 US qt. (3.1 l)
Fuel tank
All models
23.78 US gal (90.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(Avg.of96RON/86MON)
including a reserve of
S 450 4MATIC
1
S 550
S 550 4MATIC
S 600
2.9 US gal (11.0 l)
S63 AMG
3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
S65 AMG
3.7 US gal (14.0 l)

771 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz recommends only the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build-up of carbon depos-
its.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to en-
gine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation


Unstable idle


Knocking/pinging


Misfire


Power lossIn areas where carbon deposits may be en-
countered due to lack of availability of gas-
olines which contains these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to the Fac-
tory Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only) or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for a listing of ap-
proved product(s). Follow directions on
product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and
may be harmful to the engine operation.
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).
!
Damage or malfunction resulting from poor
fuel quality or from blending additional fuel addi-
tives other than those tested and approved by us
for use on Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not cov-
ered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
Add premixed coolant solution only. Adding
water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
separately from each other, could cause engine
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.

772 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for re-
placement 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 are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately –35°F
[–37°C]).If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approximately –49°F [–45°C]), the
engine temperature will increase due to
the lower heat transfer capability of the so-
lution. Therefore, do not use more than
this amount of anticorrosion/ antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of alumi-
num parts. The use of aluminum compo-
nents in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be specifical-
ly formulated to protect the aluminum
parts. Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a signifi-
cantly shortened service life.
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0 Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.

773 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantityModel
Approximate freeze protection
– 35°F (– 37°C)
– 49°F (– 45°C)
S 450 4MATIC
1
S 550
S 550 4MATIC1Canada only
Vehicles without rear passenger
compartment climate control*
6.1 US qt. (5.75 l)
6.68 US qt. (6.33 l)
Vehicles with rear passenger com-
partment climate control*
6.92 US qt. (6.55 l)
7.61 US qt. (7.2 l)
S 600 (main cooling system)
7.34 US qt. (6.95 l)
8.08 US qt. (7.65 l)
S 600 (low temperature cooling system)
1.37 US qt. (1.3 l)
1.51 US qt. (1.43 l)
S 63 AMG
6.0 US qt. (5.6 l)
7.0 US qt. (6.16 l)
S 65 AMG (main cooling system)
7.4 US qt. (7.0 l)
8.14 US qt. (7.7 l)
S 65 AMG (low temperature cooling system)
1.64 US qt. (1.55 l)
1.81 US qt. (1.71 l)

776 IndexAspect ratio 606
Audio (COMAND) 116
CD mode 124
DVD mode 124
MP3 mode 124
Audio (Control system
instrument cluster) 294
CD changer 295
CD/DVD changer 295
DVD changer 295
Audio AUX (COMAND) 129
Audio DVD
Fast forward/rewind (COMAND) 127
Menu overview (COMAND) 123
Pause function (COMAND) 125
Stop function (COMAND) 125
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 390
Automatic climate control 501
Adjusting air distribution
(COMAND) 275
Adjusting air flow from air vents
(COMAND) 279
Adjusting air volume (COMAND) 275
Adjusting the footwell temperature
(COMAND) 278Air recirculation mode 506
Central climate control menu
(COMAND) 276
Central menu for rear climate control*
(COMAND) 280
Defrosting 504
Operating the rear climate control*
from the front 279
Operating via COMAND 273
Rear window defroster 506
Selecting Mono mode
(COMAND) 277
Setting temperature (COMAND) 274
Setting the temperature 504
Setting the temperature in the rear
passenger compartment 510
Switching cooling on or off
(COMAND) 276
Automatic headlamp mode 306, 400
Automatic lighting control,
Interior lighting 406
Automatic locking when driving 368
Automatic shift program 436
Automatic transmission
Accelerator position 433
Automatic shift program 436Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 443
Fluid 765
Fluid level 578
Gear ranges 435
Gear selector lever 426
Gear shifting malfunctions 443
Hill start assist system 434
Kickdown 433
Kickdown, manual shift program
(AMG vehicles) 442
Manual shift program mode
(AMG vehicles) 440
Program mode selector switch 436
Shifting procedure 429
Starting the engine 416
Steering wheel gearshift control 438
Transmission fluid 578
Transmission positions 430
AUX
Audio 129
Video 130
AUX jacks 129

787 Index
M
Maintenance 15, 612
Automatic Call (Tele Aid) 550
Calling up service indicator
display 613
Clearing service indicator
message 612
Maintenance System 612
Resetting service indicator 614
Service indicator message 612
Service term exceeded 613
Maintenance System 612
Manual headlamp mode 400
Manual shift program (AMG vehicles only)
Deactivating 442
MAXCOOL
Maximum cooling 506
Maximum load rating, Tires 607
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 591,
607
Maximum tire inflation pressure 603,
607
Maximum tire load rating 603
Memory function 392
Messages in display see
Multifunction display messagesMicrophone, Hands-free 33
Minispare wheel 707, 723, 759
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position 391
Adjusting 388
Auto-dimming for rear view
mirrors 390
Exterior rear view mirrors 388
Interior rear view mirror 388
Mobile phone see Telephone*
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety 19
MON 571, 767
MP3
Menu overview (COMAND) 123
Operation (COMAND) 124
Playback options (COMAND) 128
Selecting a folder (COMAND) 127
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 126
Selecting a track (COMAND) 126
MP3 (COMAND) 116
Multicontour rear seats* 383
Multicontour seats*, front
Adjusting (COMAND) 283
Multifunction display 287Multifunction display messages
ABC* 660
ABS 662
Airmatic 676
Batteries, vehicle 678
Blind Spot Assist* 654
Brake fluid 664
Brake pads 666
Coolant 680
Coolant level 679
Cruise control 645
DISTRONIC Plus* 646
Doors 682
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) 665
Electronic parking brake 667
Engine oil 575, 694
ESP
®
662, 673
Fog lamps 690
Front passenger front air bag 649
Fuel cap 683
Gear selector lever 648, 653, 657,
659, 704
Headlamps 687
Hood 683
Key, SmartKey 685