ECO mode MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2011 W221 Service Manual

Bag hooks
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load
of 6.6 lbs (3 kg). Do not use it to secure a
load.
XPull bag hook ; down by tab :.
Stowage well under the trunk floor
Stowage well
You can store a suitcase in the stowage well
underneath the front section of the trunk
floor.
! Fold down the suitcase handle before
closing the trunk. You could otherwise
damage the trunk lid.
:Trunk floor;Stowage well for suitcases
Rear stowage compartment
In the S 600 model, you can fold the rear part
of the trunk floor forwards.
:Stowage well;Stowage compartment
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
GWarning!
Only use roof racks approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage
to the vehicle.
Follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
426Stowage areasLoading, stowing and features

An emergency call is dialed automatically if
an air bag or Emergency Tensioning Device is
triggered.
iAn automatically dialed mbrace
emergency call cannot be canceled.
An emergency call can also be dialed
manually.
Once the emergency call is in progress, the
indicator lamp in the SOS button flashes. The
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows Emergency
Call Activated and the audio system is
muted.
Once a connection has been established, the
Call Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the Emergency
Call Activated message.
All important information on the emergency
is compiled, for example:
Rcurrent location of the vehicle (as
determined by the GPS system)
Rvehicle model
Rvehicle color
Rvehicle identification number
iIf the Emergency Call Activated
message appears in the COMAND display,
you cannot use other COMAND functions.
You can continue to operate climate
control via the automatic climate control
functions (Y page 287).
A voice connection between the Response
Center and the occupants of the vehicle will
be established automatically soon after the
emergency call has been initiated. If the
vehicle occupants are able to respond, the
Response Center will attempt to obtain more
detailed information on the emergency.
iIf no vehicle occupant answers, an
ambulance is immediately sent to the
vehicle.
GWarning
If the indicator lamp in the SOS button is
flashing continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Response Center
established, then the mbrace system could
not initiate an emergency call (e.g. the
relevant cellular phone network is not
available).
The message Call Failed appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
10 seconds.
Should this occur, assistance must be
summoned by other means.
iDuring the emergency call, the telephone
is switched off automatically. The
telephone must be switched back on for
further use.
Making an emergency call
XTo initiate an emergency call
manually: press cover : briefly to open.
XPress SOS button ; briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button ;
flashes until the emergency call is ended.
XWait for the voice connection with the
Response Center.
XAfter the emergency call is ended, close
cover :.
GWarning
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle,
vehicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
434FeaturesLoading, stowing and features

pressed the SOS button. Carefully leave the
vehicle and move to a safe location. 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 occupants.
Roadside Assistance call buttonXOpen the stowage compartment under the
armrest ( Y page 423).XPress and hold Roadside Assistance
button : for more than two seconds.
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance Representative is initiated. The
indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button : flashes while the call is active.
The Connecting Call message appears in
the COMAND display and COMAND is
muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
COMAND display.
If a mobile phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Response
Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
R vehicle model
R vehicle color
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. You can switch to the
navigation menu by pressing the
S button on COMAND during the call.
Spoken commands are not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Representative and the vehicle occupants.XDescribe the type of assistance needed.
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Representative either sends a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or organizes for
your vehicle to be transported to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You may
be charged for services such as repair work
and/or towing. Further details are available
in your mbrace manual.
i If the indicator lamp in MB info call
button : flashes continuously and it was
not possible to establish a voice
connection to the Response Center, then
the mbrace system has failed to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call (e.g. the
corresponding cellular phone network is
not available). The Call Failed message
appears in the multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the Call
could not be connected! message.
Press W to confirm the message.
XTo end a call: press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the COMAND telephone
keypad.
i Sign and Drive services 30
: you are not
charged for services such as jump-starting,
providing a few gallons of fuel for a fuel tank
that has been run dry or changing a flat tire
with the vehicle's own spare tire.
30 USA only.Features435Loading, stowing and featuresZ

MB Info call buttonXThe stowage compartment under the
armrest ( Y page 423).XPress and hold MB info call button : for
more than two seconds.
A call to the Response Center is initiated.
MB info call button indicator lamp :
flashes while the connection is being
established. The Connecting Call
message appears in the multifunction
display. The COMAND display shows the
Information Call Activated message.
The audio system or COMAND is muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the
Information Call Activated message.
If a mobile phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Response
Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
R vehicle model
R vehicle color
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. You can switch to the
navigation menu by pressing the S
button on COMAND during the call. Spoken
commands are not available.
A voice connection between the Response
Center and the vehicle occupants is
established. You can obtain information on
how to operate your vehicle's systems, on the
location of the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center, and on further products and
services offered by Mercedes-Benz USA.
Further details on the mbrace system can be
found under http://www.mbusa.com 31
.
Log in under "Owners Online".
i If the indicator lamp in MB info call
button : flashes continuously and no
voice connection to the Response Center
has been established, then the mbrace
system has failed to initiate an MB info call
(e.g. the corresponding mobile phone
network is not available). The Call
Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
The COMAND display shows the Call
could not be connected! message.
Press W to confirm the message.XTo end a call: press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the COMAND telephone
keypad.
Call priority
An emergency call can still be initiated even
if a service call is currently active, e.g. a
Roadside Assistance call or an MB info call.
In this case, an emergency call will take
priority and override all other active calls.
The indicator lamp of the respective button
flashes until the call is ended. An emergency
call can only be terminated by the Response
Center. All other calls can be ended by
pressing the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel or the
corresponding button for ending a telephone
call on the COMAND telephone keypad.
31 USA only.436FeaturesLoading, stowing and features

Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services
If your vehicle has been stolen:
XContact the police.
The police will issue an incident report. This
report has a number.XThis number will be forwarded to the
Response Center together with your PIN.
The Response Center will then attempt to
covertly contact the mbrace system. The
Response Center contacts you and the
local law enforcement authority if the
vehicle is located. However, only the law
enforcement authority is informed of the
location of the vehicle.
i If the anti-theft alarm system remains
activated for longer than thirty seconds,
mbrace is automatically connected to the
Customer Assistance Center.
Garage door opener
Important safety notes
The remote control integrated in the rear-view
mirror allows you to operate up to three
different door and gate systems.
i Certain garage door openers are not
compatible with the integrated remote
control. If you experience problems when
programming the integrated remote
control, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or call the following service
hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-800-387-0100
GWarning
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
potential 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 vehicle outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming the
integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All
exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO),
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness
and possible death. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and possible death.
i USA only:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC requirements. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. The device must not cause harmful
interference.
2. The device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Unauthorized modification of this device
could void the device's operating permit.
i Canada only:
This device complies with the RSS-210
requirements of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. The device must not cause harmful
interference.
2. The device must withstand any
interference received, includingFeatures439Loading, stowing and featuresZ

XPull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XPull hood catch handle ; outwards from
the radiator grill as far as it will go and lift
the hood from underneath by the radiator
grill.
! Do not lift the hood by hood catch
handle ;. The handle may otherwise be
damaged.
Closing the hood
GWarning
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).
XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Radiator
iVehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, for example with a
winter front or bug cover. Otherwise, the
readings of the on-board-diagnostic
system may be inaccurate. Some of these
readings are required by law and must be
accurate at all times.
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
GWarning
Hybrid vehicles: ensure that you read the
"HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise fail
to recognize dangers.
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 l) of oil over a
distance of 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
On vehicles with a 12-cylinder engine, the oil
level can be checked using the on-board
computer. On all other models, the dipstick
must be used to check the engine oil level.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Engine compartment447Maintenance and careZ

Example: vehicles with a gasoline engine
Example: vehicles with 4MATIC
XPull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick :.XSlowly insert oil dipstick : into the
dipstick guide tube to the stop, and take it
out again.
The oil level is correct if the level is between
MIN mark = and MAX mark ;.
XAdd oil if necessary.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer
On vehicles with a 12-cylinder engine, the oil
level can be checked using the on-board
computer. On all other models, the dipstick
must be used to check the engine oil level.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.
XPress the ; or = button to select the
Service menu.
XPress the : or 9 button to select
Engine Oil Level.
XPress a.
The Measuring Engine Oil Level
Accurate Only When Vehicle is
Level message appears in the
multifunction display.
The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will see one of the following messages in the
multifunction display:
REngine Oil Level OK
RAdd1.0 l Engine OilAt Next
Refueling
RAdd1.5 l Engine OilAt Next
Refueling
RAdd2.0 l Engine OilAt Next
Refueling
XAdd oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating
temperature and the ReduceEngine Oil
Level message appears, the engine oil level
is too high.
XHave excess oil siphoned off.
! Do not add too much oil. Adding too much
oil can result in damage to the engine or the
catalytic converter. Have excess oil
siphoned off.
If the For Engine Oil Level Ignition
Must be On message appears:
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
If the Need More Time to Check Engine
Oil Level message appears:
XIf the engine is at normal operating
temperature: repeat the measurement
after about five minutes.
448Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode depends on the
cargo in the vehicle. You can drive 50 miles
(80 km) if the vehicle is partially laden and
18 miles (30 km) if it is fully laden.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph(80 km/h).GWarning!
The handling characteristics of your vehicle
deteriorate in run-flat mode, for example:
R when cornering
R when braking
R when accelerating rapidly
Adapt your driving style accordingly and avoid
sudden changes in direction and sudden
acceleration, as well as driving over obstacles
(i.e. curbs, potholes), and driving off-road.
This is particularly the case when the vehicle
is heavily laden.
The maximum permissible distance that can
be driven in run-flat mode depends to a large
extent on the loads placed on the vehicle. It
can be shorter due to high speeds, a heavy
cargo, sudden changes in direction, the road
surface condition, outside temperature, etc.,
or further if you drive carefully and
conservatively.
Do not continue to drive in run-flat mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tire.
After driving in run-flat mode, you must have
the wheel(s) checked for damage at a
qualified specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required. The faulty tire
must be replaced in every case.
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.
i When replacing one or all tires, make sure
that you only use tires marked
MOExtended and of the specified size for
the vehicle.
Battery
Important safety notes
In order for the battery to achieve the
maximum possible service life, it must always
be sufficiently charged.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Observe the service intervals in the Service
Booklet or for further information consult a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the battery charge checked more
frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for
a lengthy period.
To prevent damage from corrosion, only
replace the battery with one that has a central
ventilation cover.
Only replace a battery with a battery that has
been recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you wish to leave your vehicle parked up for
a long period of time.
GWarning
Hybrid vehicles: ensure that you read the
"HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise fail
to recognize dangers.
GWarning
Comply with safety precautions and take
protective measures when handling batteries.
468BatteryRoadside assistance

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.
Important safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you require information on tested and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter driving. Advice on purchasing and
caring for tires is also available there.
GWarning
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle appears
unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWarning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might 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.
i Further information about tires and
wheels can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Mode
Notes on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures, and correct them, if necessary.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires –
particularly the sidewalls – can get
damaged.
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tires
GWarning
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
480ModeTires and wheels

pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
R Regularly check the wheels and tires of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts,
punctures, tears, bulges on tires and
deformation or severe corrosion on
wheels), at least at least once a month, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss
of tire pressure.
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 481). If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the inner side of the tire surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
install anything onto the valve (such as tire
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
including the emergency spare wheel or the
spare wheel, particularly prior to long trips,
and correct the pressure as necessary
( Y page 483).
Tire tread
GWarning
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the tread wear indicators (TWI) become
visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow 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.
Replace tires before they become excessively
worn, as the tire traction on wet road surfaces
decreases significantly when the tread depth
is less than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
Tread wear indicators (TWIs) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned over the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced.
The recommended tread depth for summer
tires is at least 1
/ 8 in (3 mm). The
recommended tread depth for winter tires is
at least 1
/ 6 in (4 mm).
Bar marking
: for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Notes on selecting, mounting and
replacing tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R After installing new tires, run them in at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
(100 km) as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
R Do not use tires until they are excessively
worn as the tire traction on wet road
Mode481Tires and wheelsZ