traction control MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2008 W221 Comand Manual

453 Controls in detail
Driving systems
DISTRONIC Plus does not act upon adverse
sight distance conditions. Do not use
DISTRONIC Plus during conditions of fog
and heavy rain, snow or sleet.Warning!
G
DISTRONIC Plus cannot take weather condi-
tions into account. Switch off
DISTRONIC Plus or do not turn it on if:

roads are slippery or covered with snow
or ice. The wheels could lose traction
while braking or accelerating, and the
vehicle could skid.


the sensor is dirty or visibility is
diminished due to snow, rain or fog. The
distance control could be impaired.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while DISTRONIC Plus is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident resulting in person-
al or fatal injury to you or others.
Warning!
G
The “Resume” function should only be oper-
ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ-
ously set speed and wishes to resume this
particular preset speed.Warning!
G
Close attention to road and traffic condi-
tions is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not DISTRONIC Plus is activated.
Use of DISTRONIC Plus can be dangerous
on winding roads as conditions do not allow
safe driving at a steady speed.
DISTRONIC Plus may not react to stationary
objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehi-
cle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).
DISTRONIC Plus will also not respond to on-
coming vehicles.
Switch off DISTRONIC Plus:

when changing from the left to the right
lane if vehicles are moving more slowly
in the left lane


when entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp


in complex driving situations, such as in
highway construction zones
In these situations, DISTRONIC Plus will
continue to maintain the set speed unless
deactivated.
DISTRONIC Plus is designed and intended
only to maintain a set speed and keep a set
distance from moving objects in front of it.
i
Do not use DISTRONIC Plus if you are driv-
ing on a road with steep uphill or downhill slopes.
i
Due to its radar-emitting nature DISTRONIC
Plus may have an appearance similar to a radar
detector to law enforcement officials. You may
want to refer to this section of your Operator’s
Manual when asked.

563 Operation
Driving instructions
Tires
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and be-
come visible at a tread depth of approxi-
mately
1/16in (1.6 mm), at which point the
tire is considered worn and should be re-
placed.The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if the
tires are subject to extreme operating con-
ditions (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).For more information, see “Tires and
wheels” (
page 582).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.
Warning!
G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
tion to an area which is a safe distance from
the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
Warning!
G
Although the applicable federal motor vehi-
cle safety laws consider a tire to be worn
when the treadwear indicators (TWI) be-
come visible at approximately
1/16 in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not al-
low your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches
1/8 in (3 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Warning!
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause excessive
heat build-up and possibly a fire.

564 OperationDriving instructionsTire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or
icy road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
(
page 610) with a minimum tread depth
of approximately
1/6in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance compared to summer
tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still consid-
erably greater than when the road is not
covered with snow or ice. Exercise appro-
priate caution.
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru-
dent driving speeds appropriate to prevail-
ing conditions.
Warning!
G
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
!
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited War-
ranty.
Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.

604 OperationTires and wheels
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (U.S. vehicles)
Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on three performance
factors: treadwear, traction and
temperature resistance.
1Treadwear
2Traction
3Temperature resistanceQuality grades can be found, where appli-
cable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly
Warning!
G
Never exceed the max. tire inflation
pressure. Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adverse-
ly affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride com-
fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis-
tance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road de-
bris, potholes etc.
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary
from data shown in above illustration.
Treadwear
Traction
Temperature
200
AA
A

605 Operation
Tires and wheels
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades rep-
resent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to the
minimum level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by
law.Warning!
G
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Warning!
G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.

611 Operation
Winter driving
Snow chainsSnow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(page 754).


Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
be glad to advise you on this subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.


Do not use snow chains on the spare
wheel (
page 754).
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.!
When driving with snow chains, always se-
lect the raised level of the level control system
Airmatic (
page 468) or ABC* (
page 471).
Other settings may result in damage to your
vehicle.
!
Even on vehicles with all-wheel-drive, use
snow chains on rear tires only.
Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clearance
for snow chains. To help avoid serious damage to
your vehicle or tires, make sure that the use of
snow chains is permissible as specified in the
“Technical data” section of this Operator’s
Manual, see “Rims and tires” (
page 754).
!
If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle
components. The tires or the vehicle could be
damaged as a result.
i
All models except S 63 AMG:
When driving with snow chains, you may wish to
switch off the ESP
® (page 74) before setting
the vehicle in motion. This will improve the
vehicle’s traction.
i
S 63 AMG:
Do not switch off the ESP
® when driving in snow
or with snow chains mounted.

634 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
l
PRE-SAFE
® Brake*: The red dis-
tance warning lamp comes on
while driving.
You are too close to the vehicle in front of
you to maintain selected speed.

Apply the brakes immediately to in-
crease the following distance.
l
DISTRONIC Plus* or PRE-SAFE
®
Brake*: The red distance warn-
ing lamp comes on while driving
and an acoustic warning
sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle
ahead of you.

Apply the brakes immediately.
DISTRONIC Plus* or PRE-SAFE
® Brake* has
recognized a stationary obstacle on your
probable line of travel.

Apply the brakes immediately.

Carefully observe the traffic situation.
You may need to brake or maneuver to
avoid hitting an obstacle.
v
The yellow ESP
® warning lamp
flashes while driving.
The ESP
® or electronic traction system has
come into operation because of detected
traction loss in at least one tire.
Cruise control and DISTRONIC Plus* are de-
activated.

When driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.

While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.

Adapt your speed and driving to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.

Do not deactivate the ESP
®. Exceptions:
(
page 74).
Failure to follow these instructions increas-
es the risk of an accident.

780 Index
Intermittent signal tone 454
Lever 457
Menu 455
Messages in display 646
Sensor cover 619
Setting a higher speed 461
Setting a slower speed 462
Setting following distance 464
Setting the current speed 460
Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function) 463
Warning and indicator lamps 454
Document holder 534
Door
Control panel 34, 35, 38
Entry lamps 407
Inside door handle 367
Locking 360, 365
Locking with Tele Aid 550
Messages in display 648, 682
Opening from inside vehicle 367
Opening from outside 360, 364
Power closing assist 368
Unlocking 359, 364
Unlocking with Tele Aid 549DOT 607
Downhill driving
Cruise control 448
Drink holder see Cupholder
Drinking and driving 559
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats*, front
Adjusting (COMAND) 285
Driving 416
Abroad 567
Hydroplaning 563
In winter 565
Instructions 416, 559
Problems 420
Safety systems 67
Through standing water 566
With DISTRONIC Plus* 465
Driving maneuver (COMAND) 237
Driving off 562
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 76
ABS 67
Adaptive Brake Lights
(S 600, USA only) 69
BAS 69
BAS Plus 70EBP 72
Electronic traction system 73
ESP
®
72
Driving systems 446
ABC* 470
Advanced Parking Guidance* 481
Airmatic 468
Cruise control 446
DISTRONIC Plus* 451
Driving safety systems 67
Park Assist* 476
Parktronic system* 472
Rear View Camera* 487
Vehicle level control (ABC*) 471
Vehicle level control (Airmatic) 469
Driving tips 433
Kickdown 433
DVD 116
Audio (COMAND) 116
Changer (COMAND) 120
Changer (Voice Control) 338
Ejecting (COMAND) 122
Loading (COMAND) 120
Playback options (COMAND) 128
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 126
Selecting a track (COMAND) 126

781 Index
Setting the audio format
(COMAND) 128
Video (COMAND) 132
E
Easy-entry/exit feature 384
COMAND menu 268
EBP 72
Electrical fuses see Fuses
Electrical outlet see Power outlet
Electrical system, Technical Data 760
Electronic Brake Proportioning see EBP
Electronic parking brake 422
Indicator lamp 29, 630
Messages in display 667
Warning lamp 29, 630
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
®
Electronic traction system 73
Emergency call system 542
Emergency calls, Tele Aid 544
Emergency engine shut-down 744
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 443
Emergency operations
Locking the vehicle 708
Releasing from inside 516
Remote door lock 550Remote door unlock 549
Unlocking the trunk 709
Unlocking the vehicle 708
Emergency tensioning device see ETD
Emergency, In case of
Battery, Jump starting 734
First aid kit 705
Flat tire 723
Fuses 741
Roadside Assistance 15
Roadside Assistance (Tele Aid) 546
Towing the vehicle 737
Emission control 568
Emission control information label 749
Emission control system warranties 14
Engine
Belt layout 750
Cleaning 617
Compartment 573
Coolant 579, 767, 771
Malfunction indicator lamp 29, 632
Number 748, 749
Oil 578, 765, 769
Oils 575
Residual heat and ventilation 509
Starting 416Technical data 751
Turning off 424
Engine coolant see Coolant
Engine oil 575
Adding 578
Additives 769
Checking level 575
Checking level (Dipstick) 577
Checking level (Instrument cluster
control system) 575
Consumption 575
Dipstick 577
Filler neck 577, 578
Messages in display 576, 694
Recommended engine oils and
oil filters 765
ESP
®Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP
®
76
ESP
®
72
Messages in display 662, 673
Warning lamp 29, 629, 634
ETD 55
Safety guidelines 44

795 Index
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Power tilt/sliding
sunroof
Time
Setting (COMAND) 259
TIN 608
Tire and Loading Information
Placard 586
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tires 582
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)* 593
And Rims 754
And Wheels 582
Care and maintenance 583
Chains 611
Checking inflation pressure electroni-
cally with Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) 593
Cleaning 584
Cold tire inflation pressure 606
Combination low tire pressure
malfunction telltale 29, 638
Direction of rotation 585
Driving instructions 563Important notes on tire inflation
pressure 591
Inflation pressure 590
Information placard 586
Inspection 583
Load rating 599, 608
Load rating, Maximum 603, 607
Minispare wheel 707
Ply composition and
material used 608
Problems under-/overinflation 590
Retreads 582
Rotating 609
Service life 583
Sizes 754
Snow 610
Spare wheel 759
Speed rating 564, 600, 608
Storing 584
Temperature 591, 605
Terminology 606
Total load limit 608
TPMS malfunction telltale 638
TPMS* malfunction telltale 29
Traction 564, 608Tread depth 584
Tread depth, Winter 610
Treadwear indicators 608
Vehicle maximum load on 609
Wear pattern 609
Winter 610
Tools 705
Top tether
Children in the vehicle 62
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit) 705,
740
Towing the vehicle 737
Tow-start 734, 737
Traction 564, 605, 608
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Traveling abroad 567
Tread 608
Tread depth, Tires 584
Tread depth, Winter tires 610
Treadwear indicators 608
Trip odometer 291
Resetting 292
Troubleshooting
Voice Control 352