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

Surround sound
General notes
If your vehicle is equipped with the harman/
kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system,
you can set the optimum surround sound for
every passenger.
The harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround
sound system is available for the following
operating modes:
Rradio (FM only)
Rsatellite radio
Raudio CD
Raudio DVD (MLP, dts, PCM and Dolby
Digital audio formats)
RMP3 (including SD memory card)
RBluetooth® audio mode
RMedia Interface
Rvideo DVD (PCM, dts and Dolby Digital
audio formats)
RAUX
Because many DVDs contain both stereo and
multi-channel audio formats, it may be
necessary to set the audio format
(Y page 223).
iThe Logic7® On function enables
playback of, e.g. stereo recordings with a
surround sound experience for every
passenger. It enables optimum playback of
music and films on CD, audio DVD or video
DVD with multichannel audio formats, such
as MLP, dts or Dolby Digital. The resulting
audio experience reflects that intended by
the sound engineer during the original
recording.
iIf you select LOGIC7® Off, the sound
system plays the tracks as stored on the
medium. Due to the design of the
passenger compartment, an optimum
audio experience cannot be guaranteed for
all passengers.
iDiscs which support the audio formats
mentioned have the following logos:
Dolby Digital
dts
MLP
Switching surround sound on/off
Example: switching on surround sound for
radio mode
XPress the R function button.
The radio display appears. You will hear the
last station played on the last waveband
set.
134At a glanceCOMAND

XSelect Continue Route Guidance and
press W to confirm.
COMAND calculates the route.
Destination or area of destination
reached
When you reach your destination, COMAND
displays a checkered flag and route guidance
is automatically ended.
For certain points of interest (e.g. airports),
you will see the Area of destination
reached message in addition to the
checkered flag.
Navigation announcements
Repeating navigation announcements
GWarning
Navigation announcements are intended to
direct you while driving without diverting your
attention from the road and driving.
Please always use this feature instead of
consulting the map display for directions.
Looking at the icons or map display can
distract you from traffic conditions and
driving, and increase the risk of an accident.
i Audible navigation announcements are
muted during a telephone call.
If you have missed an announcement, you can
call up the current announcement at any
time.
XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.XConfirm RPT in the navigation menu by
pressing W.
Switching navigation announcements
on/off
XTo switch off: press the 8 button
during an announcement.
You will briefly see the message: The
driving instructions have been
muted .XTo switch on: press W the COMAND
controller.XConfirm + in the navigation menu by
pressing W.
i COMAND automatically switches the
navigation announcements back on when:
R you have a new route calculated.
R you start the engine again after having
left the vehicle.
Reducing volume during a navigation
announcement
The volume of an active radio or video source
can be automatically reduced during a
navigation announcement.
XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding ZV and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Audio Fadeout and press W to
confirm.
The function is switched on O or off ª,
depending on the previous status.
Setting the volume manually
XAdjust the volume during a navigation
announcement.
or
XSelect + in the map view with the menu
shown and adjust the volume.
Avoiding a section of the route blocked
by a traffic jam
This function blocks a section of the route
ahead of you. The length of the section of
route to be blocked can be adjusted. If
possible, COMAND calculates a detour
around the blocked section of the route.
XTo switch on navigation mode: press the
S function button once or twice.XTo show the menu: press the COMAND
controller W.168NavigationCOMAND

You can view the current direction of travel,
the current height and the coordinates of the
current vehicle position in the compass view.XTo switch on navigation mode: press the
S function button once or twice.XTo show the menu: press the COMAND
controller W.XSelect Position in the navigation menu by
sliding VÆ and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Compass and press W to confirm.XTo exit the display: confirm Back by
pressing W or press the % button.
Installing new map software
The digital data generated by the map
software becomes outdated in the same way
as conventional road maps. Optimal route
guidance can only be provided by the
navigation system in conjunction with the
most up-to-date map software. Information
about new map software versions can be
obtained from an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
You can install new map software yourself
using one or more DVDs, depending on the
size.
The installation process can take between 10
and 120 minutes depending on the size of the
map software. If radio mode is selected
before you start the installation process, you
can still adjust the volume. It is also still
possible to operate the automatic climate
control and cancel the process on COMAND.
Other functions are not operational. If
possible, carry out the installation process
when the vehicle is stationary. This takes less
time, since the DVD read speed is higher
when the vehicle is stationary than when it is
in motion. If the starter battery is not
sufficiently charged, COMAND may end the
process automatically in order to preserve
the battery. Therefore, keep the engine
running during the installation process.
GWarning
Never leave the engine running in enclosed
spaces. The exhaust gases contain toxic
carbon monoxide. Breathing in exhaust fumes
is a health hazard and can lead to
unconsciousness or death.
Displaying information about the
currently used map version
XTo switch on navigation mode: press the
S function button once or twice.XTo show the menu: press the COMAND
controller W.XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding VÆ and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Map Version and press W to
confirm.
Notes on handling DVDs
R Only touch the edges of DVDs.
R Handle DVDs carefully to avoid read errors.
R Avoid scratching DVDs or getting
fingerprints or dust on them.
R Use a conventional cleaning cloth to clean
DVDs. Never wipe in a circle, but instead in
straight lines from the inside to the outside.
R Place DVDs back in their cases after use.
R Do not expose DVDs to heat or direct
sunlight.
Map software copy protection
Map software for COMAND is subject to a fee.
Map software can only be used on one vehicle
with an activation code and is not
transferable. The six-digit activation code is
available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Contact your authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center if you lose the activation code or
if COMAND does not accept the code that you
received.
Your vehicle is delivered from the factory with
map software. Depending on the country,
map software for your region is either pre-
installed (Europe/USA) or the map software
186NavigationCOMAND

Vehicle
Vehicle
General notes
In this menu, you can set the following vehicle
functions:
RECO
RMulticontour seat settings
RRear window blind
REASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
RExterior lighting delayed switch-off time
RInterior lighting delayed switch-off
RAmbient lighting
RAutomatic folding mirror
RLocator lighting
RAutomatic locking feature
RTrunk lid opening height restriction
You can open the "Vehicle" menu in one of
two ways.
Opening the "Vehicle" menu from the
main area in the center of the display
:"Vehicle" menu item;Main areaXSelect Vehicle in the main function bar by
sliding XVY and turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.
Main area ; is active.
XSelect the individual vehicle functions by
sliding XVY or turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.
Opening from the "Vehicle" menuXSelect Vehicle in the main function bar by
sliding XVY and turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.
The "Vehicle" submenu opens.
XSelect the individual vehicle functions in
the menu by sliding XVY or turning cVd
the COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.
In the next section, it is the first procedure
that is always described.
Switching the ECO function on/off
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle is
stopped under certain conditions. When
pulling away again, the engine starts
automatically (Y page 302). You can switch
the ECO start/stop function on and off using
COMAND.
If you switch the ECO start/stop function off
using COMAND, the function is switched on
again automatically when you switch the
ignition off and on again.
Vehicle257COMANDZ

Setting the airflow
You can set the airflow separately for the
driver’s side and for the front-passenger side.
XSelect left airflow = or right airflow A by
turning cVd the COMAND controller and
press W to confirm.
XTo adjust the airflow: slide ZVÆ or turn
cVd the COMAND controller.
XTo confirm the selection: press W the
COMAND controller.
Climate control main menu
Using COMAND, you can set additional
functions that cannot be called up using the
control panel in the center console. Call up
these functions using the climate control
main menu.
XTo open the climate control main
menu: select the AC climate control
symbol in the air-conditioning function bar
by turning cVd the COMAND controller
and press W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.
Climate control main menu
You can:
Rswitch cooling with dehumidification on/
off (Æ)
Rcontrol climate control centrally (Mono)
Radjust the Footwell temperature
Rset the Airflow for the air vents
Roperate the Rear air conditioning from the
front
Rset the Auxiliary heating,
departure time
Switching cooling with air
dehumidification on/off
Cooling is operational when the engine is
running and cools according to the selected
interior temperature for the vehicle. Cooling
also dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle
and, thereby, prevents the windows from
misting up.
GRisk of accident
If you switch off cooling with
dehumidification, the vehicle will not be
cooled and the air not dehumidified in warm
weather conditions. The windows can mist up
faster. This could result in your no longer
being able to observe the traffic conditions
properly and you may cause an accident.
iCondensation may collect on the
underside of the vehicle when the cooler is
operating.
XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turning
Vehicle263COMANDZ

Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The T indicator lamp on the light switch
lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The "daytime running lamps" function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
When the engine is on: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
activated, the T indicator lamp on the
light switch lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary or if the electronic parking brake is
applied: if you move the selector lever from a
driving position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , you turn on the daytime running
lamps and low-beam headlamps.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
XTo activate: activate the daytime running
lamps function in the on-board computer
( Y page 377).XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
When the engine is on: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
activated, the T indicator lamp on the
light switch lights up.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamps
GRisk of accident
If the light switch is set to c, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
GRisk of accident
When it is dark or foggy, turn the light switch
quickly from c to L . Otherwise, the
headlamps could switch off temporarily and
you could cause an accident.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c.
Key in position 1 in the ignition lock: the
side lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 15
or the side lamps and low-
beam headlamps are switched on or off
automatically.15 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting273Lights and windshield wipersZ

When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the T indicator lamp on
the light switch lights up.
Front fog lamps and rear fog lamp
Front fog lamps
GWarning!
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
GWarning!
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position c to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from c to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or
start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . If the
light switch is set to c, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.XPull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the light switch in as far as it will go.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Rear fog lamps
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
key in the ignition lock to position 2 or start
the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T
(vehicles with fog lamps) or turn the light
switch to L (vehicles without fog
lamps). When the light switch is set toc , you cannot switch on the rear fog
lamp.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to T, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the second stop
(vehicles with fog lamps) or pull it out to the
stop (vehicles without fog lamps).
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Combination switch
Turn signal
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High-beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.274Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

High-beam headlampsXTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
GWarning!
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
Rvisibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
Rthe optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
RRoad users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
RRoad users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
RRoad users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
RIn some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
You can use this function to set the
headlamps to change between low beam and
high beam automatically. The system
recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either
approaching from the opposite direction or
traveling in front of your vehicle, and
consequently switches the headlamps from
high beam to low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel.
XTo activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer (Y page 377).
XTurn the light switch to c.Exterior lighting275Lights and windshield wipersZ

XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :
(Y page 274).
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the _ indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 28 mph (45 km/h):
the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and no
other road users are detected:
the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving at speeds below
approximately 30 mph (45 km/h) or other
road users are detected or the roads are
illuminated sufficiently:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.
XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
Ran air bag is deployed.
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed of above 6 mph
(10 km/h).
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 281). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
276Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Switch the reading lamp off=Interior lighting
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the key is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
The OFF indicator lamp shows whether the
automatic interior lighting control is
deactivated (indicator lamp on) or
activated (indicator lamp off).
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the key from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. You can activate this delayed switch-off
using COMAND ( Y page 259).
Manual interior lighting control
XTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the u button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
GWarning
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
GWarning!
Bulbs and lamps can be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
278Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers