Eco MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2011 W221 Owner's Guide

Panic alarmX To activate: press and hold !
button : for about one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO Start-Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with the part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with the RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS ( Brake Assist System Plus*)
R Adaptive brake lamps
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS)
Important safety notes
GWarning
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
66Driving safety systemsSafety

The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.GWarning
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 66).
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you
when braking in hazardous situations and
uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the
traffic conditions.
GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident. Personal or fatal
injury to you or others may be the result.
i This equipment has been approved by the
FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor system is intended for use in
an automotive radar system only. Removal,
tampering, or altering of the device will void
any warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with the device in any
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time. Should you approach a detected
obstacle quickly, BAS PLUS calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end
collision. Should you additionally apply the
brakes, BAS PLUS will automatically increase
the braking force to a level suitable for the
traffic conditions.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, PRE-SAFE ®
is activated
simultaneously.XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again when:
R you release the brake pedal
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example, stopped or
parked vehicles.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational. You can check this by activating
DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 325) or via the
"radar sensor" function in the on-board
computer( Y page 378).
GWarning!
BAS PLUS will only respond with brake
assistance if it has clearly detected an object.
Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
68Driving safety systemsSafety

! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the electric parking brake is
being tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 66).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP when a spare wheel
is mounted.
GWarning
S 63 AMG: ESP ®
should not be deactivated
during normal driving.
Deactivating the system results in the
following:
R no restriction to the engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's own oversteering
and understeering characteristics are desired
and requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver who is able to handle
these critical driving situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Beware of these limits if you deactivate
ESP ®
.
Do not deactivate ESP ®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWarning!
Switch on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
XTo deactivate: (Y page 375).
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.70Driving safety systemsSafety

Immediately brake your vehicle to increase
the distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle driving in front of you. The warning
sound is intended as a final caution that you
have not interceded with your own braking
inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous
situation. Do not wait for the operation of the
warning signal to intercede with your own
braking, as that will result in potentially
dangerous emergency braking which will not
always result in an impact being avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is a convenience
system designed to assist the driver during
vehicle operation. The responsibility for the
vehicle speed and the distance to the vehicle
ahead, including most importantly brake
operation to assure safe stopping distance,
always remains with the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake 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
personal or fatal injury to you or others.
i USA only: this device was approved as a
"Vehicular Radar System" by the FCC. The
radar sensor system is only intended for
use with radar systems in passenger
vehicles. Removing, tampering with, or
altering the device will void any warranties
and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not
tamper with the device in any way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: this device complies with
RSS-210 regulations of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Removing, tampering with, or altering the
device will void any warranties and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with the device
in any way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can detect obstacles that
are in front of your vehicle for an extended
period of time. If you approach an obstacle
and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects a risk of a
collision, the system will initially alert you
both visually and acoustically. If you do not
brake or steer, the vehicle will at first
automatically brake slightly. In the event of
an increased risk of a collision, PRE-SAFE ®
is
activated ( Y page 53). If the risk of collision
remains and you do not brake, take evasive
action or accelerate significantly, the vehicle
may perform automatic emergency braking.GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will only respond with
brake assistance if it has clearly detected an
object. Detection can be impeded by:
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake uses radar signals that
are not reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not react to persons,
animals, and approaching traffic or cross-
traffic.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front of you, such as
motorcycles and vehicles driving offset from
your vehicle center.
72Driving safety systemsSafety

In order to maintain an appropriate distance
from the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
also detect stationary obstacles, for example
stopped or parked vehicles.GWarning!
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
R not have recognized the collision risk
R have been deactivated
R be malfunctioning
Apply the brakes yourself to avoid a collision.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer ( Y page 376).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed on the left in the instrument
cluster.
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be
switched on and operational.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not always detect
complex traffic situations properly. You can
terminate the braking action of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in a non-critical driving situation at any
time if:
R an acoustic and visual warning occurs.
R the vehicle brakes.
To stop the braking action, you can either
depress the accelerator pedal further,
activate kickdown or release the brake pedal.
The braking action of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is
ended automatically if:
R you maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
R your speed drops below approximately
9 mph (15 km/h).
R there is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle.
R there is no longer any danger of a collision.
Following a collision or collision-related
damage to the front end of the vehicle, have
the configuration and operation of the radar
sensors checked. Choose a qualified
specialist workshop which has the necessary
specialist knowledge and tools for the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that
you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for this purpose.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
key that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the trunk lid
R the hood
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
Anti-theft systems73SafetyZ

iIf the alarm stays on for more than 30
seconds, the emergency call system
mbrace (USA only) or TELEAID (Canada
only) initiates a call to the Customer
Assistance Center automatically. The
emergency call system initiates the call
provided that:
Ryou have subscribed to the mbrace/
TELEAID service.
Rthe mbrace/TELEAID service has been
activated properly.
Rthe required mobile phone, power supply
and GPS are available.
XTo arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp : flashes. The alarm
system is armed after approximately 30
seconds.
XTo deactivate: unlock the vehicle using the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO.
XTo stop the alarm using the SmartKey:
insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the % or & button on the
SmartKey.
The alarm is switched off.
XTo stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The key
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button on the
dashboard. The key must be inside the
vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
74Anti-theft systemsSafety

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
SmartKey
Important safety notes
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch. Always
take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned by these
parts.
GWarning
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment unless they are
firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of:
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
General information
If you cannot open or lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey, either the battery in the SmartKey
is empty, the SmartKey is faulty, or the starter
battery is discharged.
XCheck the battery in the SmartKey and
replace it if necessary ( Y page 80).XUnlock the driver's door with the
mechanical key ( Y page 84).XLock the vehicle ( Y page 84).XHave the starter battery and battery
contacts checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the SmartKey is faulty, contact Roadside
Assistance or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
SmartKey functions
General notes
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following conditions:
1. This device must not cause any harmful
interference, and
2. This device must be able to
accommodate interference that is
received, including interference which
could cause unwanted functions.
76SmartKeyOpening and closing

Unapproved modifications to this device
may lead to withdrawal of permission to
operate it.
i Canada only:
This device complies with Industry
Canada's RSS–210 regulations. Operation
is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device must not cause any harmful
interference, and
2. This device must be able to
accommodate interference that is
received, including interference which
could cause unwanted functions.
Unapproved modifications to this device
may lead to withdrawal of permission to
operate it.
Locking and unlocking centrally
The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
R the doors
R the trunk lid
R the fuel filler flap
:& To lock the vehicle;F To unlock the trunk lid=% To unlock the vehicle
When unlocking, the turn signals flash once.
When locking, they flash three times.
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in COMAND.
You can also set an audible signal to confirm
that the vehicle has been locked or unlocked.
The audible signal can be activated and
deactivated using the on-board computer
( Y page 378).XTo unlock centrally: press the %
button.
If you do not open a door or the trunk lid within
approximately 40 seconds of unlocking the
vehicle:
R the vehicle is locked again.
R the theft deterrent locking system is armed
again.
XTo lock centrally: press the & button.
KEYLESS-GO
General notes
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following conditions:
1. This device must not cause any harmful
interference, and
2. This device must be able to
accommodate interference that is
received, including interference which
could cause unwanted functions.
Unapproved modifications to this device
may lead to withdrawal of permission to
operate it.
i Canada only:
This device complies with Industry
Canada's RSS–210 regulations. Operation
is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device must not cause any harmful
interference, and
2. This device must be able to
accommodate interference that is
received, including interference which
could cause unwanted functions.
Unapproved modifications to this device
may lead to withdrawal of permission to
operate it.
SmartKey77Opening and closingZ

Important information about using
KEYLESS-GO
RYou can use the KEYLESS-GO key as a
conventional SmartKey.
RYou can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional SmartKey, e.g.
you can open the vehicle with KEYLESS-GO
and close it with the & button.
RAlways carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
RNever store the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
-electronic devices, such as a mobile
phone or other SmartKey
-metal objects, such as coins or metal foil
Doing so may impair the function of
KEYLESS-GO.
RTo open or close the vehicle, the KEYLESS-
GO key should not be more than 3 ft (1 m)
from the door or trunk.
RIf the vehicle is parked for more than
72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outer door handle and
switch on the ignition to reactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function.
RIf the KEYLESS-GO key is removed from the
vehicle, the system may not be able to
recognize the SmartKey anymore. The
vehicle can then no longer be locked or
started with KEYLESS-GO.
RIf the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from the vehicle, e.g. when another vehicle
occupant with a KEYLESS-GO key leaves
the vehicle:
-when the Start/Stop button is pressed,
or when trying to lock the vehicle using
the locking button on the outside door
handle, the Key Not Detected message
appears in the multifunction display.
-when the engine is running, the red Key
Not Detected message appears in the
multifunction display as you pull away.
Look for the KEYLESS-GO key and place
it somewhere else in the vehicle. Place
the KEYLESS-GO key on the front-
passenger seat, for example, or in your
shirt pocket.
RIf you have switched on the engine with the
Start/Stop button, you can switch it off
again by:
-pressing the Start/Stop button
-inserting the KEYLESS-GO key into the
ignition lock while the vehicle is at a
standstill and the automatic
transmission is in park position P.
RYou may inadvertently unlock the vehicle if
the KEYLESS-GO key is less than 3 ft (1 m)
from the vehicle and:
-an exterior door handle is hit by a jet of
water, or
-you clean an exterior door handle
RPlease note that any vehicle occupant can
start the engine when there is a KEYLESS-
GO key in the vehicle.
Scenario 1: There is a KEYLESS-GO key in
the vehicle and a second one outside the
vehicle. If you leave the KEYLESS-GO key
in the vehicle when you leave and lock the
vehicle, no message appears in the
multifunction display.
Scenario 2: There is a KEYLESS-GO key in
the vehicle, but none outside the vehicle. If
you get out of the vehicle and attempt to
lock it, the Key Detected In Vehicle
message appears in the multifunction
display. The vehicle is not then locked.
When starting the engine and whilst driving,
KEYLESS-GO also checks whether a valid
SmartKey is in the vehicle by periodically
establishing radio contact.
78SmartKeyOpening and closing

X To unlock the vehicle: pull the door
handle.XTo lock the vehicle: touch sensor
surface :.
If you pull on the handle of the trunk lid, only
the trunk of the vehicle is unlocked.
Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the setting of the locking
system in such a way that only the driver's
door and the fuel filler flap are unlocked. This
is useful if you frequently travel on your own.
XTo change the setting: press and hold
down the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
( Y page 80) flashes twice.
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
XTo unlock the driver's door: press the
% button once.XTo unlock centrally: press the %
button twice.XTo lock centrally: press the & button.
The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as
follows:
XTo unlock the driver's door : pull the door
handle on the driver's door.XTo unlock centrally: pull the door handle
on the front-passenger door or on the rear
doors.XTo lock centrally: touch sensor
surface : on one of the door handles.
Restoring the factory settings
XPress the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
flashes twice.Mechanical key
General notes
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door or the trunk lid, the
anti-theft alarm system will be triggered
( Y page 73).
There are several ways to turn off the alarm:
XPress the % or & button on the
SmartKey.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button in the ignition
lock. The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
or
XLock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.
Removing the mechanical key
XPush release catch : in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time, remove
mechanical key ; from the SmartKey.
SmartKey battery
Important safety notes
It is advisable to have batteries replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
SmartKey79Opening and closingZ