Malfunction MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2011 W221 Owner's Manual

Alertness Assistantsee ATTENTION ASSIST
Alternative route ............................... 169
Ambient light Adjusting (COMAND) .....................260
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 371
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........73
Ashtray ............................................... 430
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 375
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................73
Function ........................................... 73
Switching off the alarm ....................73
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................... 347
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 376
Display message ............................ 401
Audio AUX jack .................................. 234
Audio CD/DVD or MP3 mode Switching to ................................... 218
Audio DVD
Pause function ............................... 249
Stop function ................................. 220
Audio format
Setting (audio DVD mode) .............223
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 370
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 453
Automatic engine start Using the ECO start/stop
function ......................................... 303
Automatic engine stop
Using the ECO start/stop
function ......................................... 303
Automatic transmission
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................306
Display message ............................ 409
Driving tips .................................... 309
Emergency running mode ..............313
Kickdown ....................................... 309Malfunction .................................... 313
Program selector button ................310
Pulling away ................................... 301
Starting .......................................... 301
Autostore ........................................... 210
B
Back button ....................................... 117
Bag hook ............................................ 426
Bang & Olufsen sound system ......... 135
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 67
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
Plus*) .................................................... 68
Battery Charging ........................................ 470
Checking (SmartKey) .......................80
Display message ............................ 399
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 79
Jump-starting ................................. 471
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................80
Safety notes .................................. 468
Voltage (on-board computer) .........371
Belt
see Seat belts
Bird's-eye view .................................. 181
Blind see Roller sunblind
Blind Spot Assist ............................... 352
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 376
Display message ............................ 404
Bluetooth ®
Activating/deactivating .................145
Authorizing a device ......................146
Connecting devices .......................145
Devices .......................................... 146
External authorization ............147, 194
General information .......................145
Interface ........................................ 192
Revoking authorization ..................147
Settings ......................................... 145
Telephony .............................. 191, 192
Bluetooth ®
interface
Telephony ...................................... 191
Bluetooth ®
interface telephony
Conditions ..................................... 192
Index5

Bluetooth®
telephone list ................. 193
Brake fluid Notes ............................................. 514
Brake fluid level ................................ 451
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 395
Brake lamps Adaptive ........................................... 69
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 67
BAS .................................................. 67
BAS PLUS ........................................ 68
Brake fluid (notes) .........................514
Display message ............................ 389
High-performance brake system ....322
Important safety notes ..................320
Maintenance .................................. 321
Warning lamp ................................. 413
Breakdown
see Flat tire
Bulb
Infrared light .................................. 280
Bulbs
High-beam spot lamp ..................... 280
Overview ........................................ 279
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........27
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................25
Call
Accepting ...................................... 197
Connecting .................................... 197
Rejecting ....................................... 197
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Calling voicemail ............................... 198
Call list Opening and selecting an entry .....205
Saving an entry in the address
book .............................................. 206
Call lists ............................................. 205
Displaying details ........................... 201
Storing an entry which has not yet
been stored ................................... 206
Call waiting ........................................ 198
Capacities
see Technical data
Care
Carpets .......................................... 459
Car wash ........................................ 453
Display ........................................... 457
Gear or selector lever ....................458
Headlamps ..................................... 456
Matte finish ................................... 455
Night View Assist Plus ...................457
Notes ............................................. 452
Paint .............................................. 454
Plastic trim .................................... 458
Power washer ................................ 454
Rear view camera .......................... 456
Roof lining ...................................... 459
Seat belt ........................................ 459
Seat covers .................................... 458
Sensors ......................................... 456
Steering wheel ............................... 458
Tail pipes ....................................... 457
Trim strips ..................................... 458
Washing by hand ........................... 454
Wheels ........................................... 454
Windows ........................................ 455
Wiper blades .................................. 456
Wooden trim .................................. 458
cargo compartment
Power closing feature ......................84
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 425
Car pool lanes .................................... 167
Category Satellite radio ................................ 215
CD
Copy protection ............................. 225
Data medium ................................. 225
General information .......................225
Inserting ........................................ 217
Multisession .................................. 224
Playback options ........................... 224
Selecting a medium .......................221
Selecting a track ............................ 221
CD/audio DVD or MP3 mode
Switching to (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................2486Index

EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 389
EBD (Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) Function/notes ................................ 71
ECO function ...................................... 257
ECO start/stop function Deactivating/activating .................303
General information .......................302
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Trunk ............................................... 88
Vehicle ............................................. 84
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................313
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 462
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 59
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....24
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 305
Starting problems ..........................305
Starting the engine with the key ....301
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............301
Switching off .................................. 316
Warning lamp Check Engine ..........418
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 305
Engine emergency stop .................... 477
Engine number .................................. 510
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 449
Checking the oil level ..................... 447
Display message ............................ 399Filling capacity ............................... 511
Lubricant additives ........................514
Notes about oil grades ................... 513
Temperature (on-board computer) . 371
Viscosity ........................................ 514
Entering characters
In the address and the phone
book .............................................. 130
Using the number pad ...................128
Entry
Deleting ......................................... 129
Saving ............................................ 131
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................70
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 375
Display message ............................ 381
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 70
Important safety information ...........69
Warning lamp ................................. 416
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 70
Example: entering an address .......... 151
Example display Audio CD mode .............................. 219
Example of operation ........................ 126
Exhaust check ................................... 320
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 457
Exterior lighting see Exterior lighting
Exterior mirror parking position
Adjusting (COMAND) .....................258
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 109
Dipping (automatic) .......................110
Folding in/out (automatically) .......110
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........110
Out of position ............................... 110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111
Storing the parking position ..........111
Exterior view ........................................ 30
External authorization ...................... 147
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 42310Index

Low-beam headlamps ....................273
Rear fog lamp ................................ 274
Switching the Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 377
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (on-board computer) . 377
Light sensor (display message) ....... 397
List as selection list Calling up ....................................... 129
Loading guidelines ............................ 422
Locator lighting Adjusting (COMAND) .....................260
Locking
Automatic ........................................ 83
Emergency locking ........................... 84
From inside the vehicle (central
locking button) ................................. 83
Setting to automatic (COMAND) ....261
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 378
Logic 7 ®
see harman/kardon ®
Logic 7 ®
Surround Sound system
Low-beam headlamp (display
message) ............................................ 394
Luggage net ....................................... 425
Lumbar support ................................. 106
see Lumbar support
Lumbar supports (COMAND) ............ 266
M
Main-beam headlamps (display
message) ............................................ 395
Malfunction message see Display messages
Malfunctions relevant to safety
Reporting ......................................... 27
Manual drive program ...................... 311
Map Arrival time/distance to
destination ..................................... 182
Calling up ....................................... 157
City model ..................................... 183
Map display ................................... 181
Moving ................................... 158, 180
Showing geo-coordinates ..............183
Showing road names .....................183
Topographic map ........................... 183
Map display (also see navigation)
Traffic reports ................................ 172
Map information ................................ 182
Map orientation ................................. 181
Map scale Adjusting ....................................... 179
Massage function (PULSE) ............... 269
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 455
mbrace Automatic retrieval of vehicle data
(service due date) ..........................438
Call priority .................................... 436
Display message ............................ 383
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 437
Emergency call .............................. 433
Important safety notes ..................432
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............439
MB info call button ........................436
Remote vehicle locking ..................438
Roadside Assistance button ..........435
Self-test ......................................... 433
System .......................................... 433
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............438
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 79
Media Interface
Active partition .............................. 234
Basic menu .................................... 231
Connection options .......................229
iPod ®
............................................. 229
Metadata ....................................... 232
Mode ............................................. 229
MP3 player .................................... 229
Selecting categories ......................232
Selecting folders ............................ 232
Selecting music files ......................231
Selecting playlists ..........................232
Switching to ................................... 230
USB mass storage device ..............229
Media list ........................................... 221
Memory function ............................... 111Index13

MenuExiting ................................... 135, 151
Showing ........................ 150, 238, 251
Menu (on-board computer)
AMG ............................................... 371
Assistance ..................................... 375
Audio ............................................. 370
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 332
DVD ............................................... 371
Navigation ..................................... 369
Overview of menus ........................367
Service ........................................... 377
Settings ......................................... 377
Telephone ...................................... 374
Trip ................................................ 368
Menu item
Selecting ........................................ 126
Menu overview
COMAND ....................................... 119
Message memory (on-board
computer) .......................................... 380
Messages see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 429
Mobile phone
Authorizing .................................... 193
Connecting (Bluetooth ®
interface) . 193
De-authorizing ............................... 195
External authorization ....................194
Registering (authorizing) ................193
MOExtended run-flat system ........... 467
MP3 Bit/sampling rates ......................... 225
Copyright ....................................... 225
Data medium ................................. 224
File systems ................................... 224
Formats ......................................... 225
Selecting a medium .......................221
Multicontour seat .............................. 106
Front .............................................. 266
Rear compartment .........................106
Multifunction display ........................ 366
Lane recommendations .................167
Multifunction steering wheel
Operating the on-board computer . 365
Overview .......................................... 34Multisession CDs ............................... 224
Music Register Copying music data .......................226
MUSIC REGISTER
Deleting all music files ...................227
Memory space info ........................228
Playback options ........................... 229
Switching to ................................... 226
My address
see Home address
N
Navigation Installing map software .................. 186
On-board computer .......................369
Navigation (also see route
guidance) Traffic report .................................. 172
Navigation announcements
Switching off ......................... 132, 168
Navigation menu
Showing/hiding .....................237, 251
Navigation mode
Switching to ................................... 149
NECK-PRO head restraints ............... 104
Operation ......................................... 53
Resetting after being triggered ........54
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints ... 104
Operation ......................................... 53
Resetting after being triggered ........54
Night View Assist Plus ...................... 348
Activating/deactivating .................349
Cleaning ......................................... 457
Display message ............................ 401
Malfunction .................................... 352
Problem ......................................... 352
North up orientation ......................... 181
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 298
14Index

O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 52
Operation ......................................... 48
System self-test ............................... 51
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................60
System overview .............................. 42
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 512
Odometer ........................................... 368
Off-map .............................................. 171
Off-road .............................................. 171
4MATIC .......................................... 339
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 371
Assistance menu ........................... 375
Audio menu ................................... 370
Display messages ..........................380
Important safety notes ..................364
Instrument cluster submenu ..........377
Lighting submenu .......................... 377
Message memory .......................... 380
Navigation menu ............................ 369
Operating video DVD .....................371
Operation ....................................... 365
Overview of menus ........................367
Service menu ................................. 377
Settings menu ............................... 377
Standard display submenu ............368
Telephone menu ............................ 374
Trip menu ...................................... 368
Opening height restriction for
trunk lid .............................................. 261
Operating system see On-board computer
Orientation in direction of travel ..... 181
Outside lighting Delayed switch-off (COMAND) .......259
Outside temperature
Display ........................................... 365
Overhead control panel
Overview .......................................... 36
Override feature
Rear side windows ...........................65P
Paint code number ............................ 509
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 454
Panic alarm .......................................... 66
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing .............................. 95
Resetting ......................................... 97
Parking ............................................... 316
Parking aid Parking Guidance ........................... 342
PARKTRONIC ................................. 339
Rear view camera .......................... 346
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 389
Electric parking brake ....................317
Parking Guidance .............................. 342
Display message ............................ 405
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 396
Parking position Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 111
Exterior mirrors (COMAND) ...........258
PARKTRONIC
Activating/deactivating .................341
Function/notes ............................. 339
Malfunction .................................... 342
Problem ......................................... 342
Range of the sensors .....................340
Warning display ............................. 341
Passcode
Entering ................................. 147, 194
Pause function ................................... 220
Pedals ................................................. 319
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC
Phone book
Calling up ....................................... 201
Creating an entry ........................... 203
Deleting an entry ........................... 204
Introduction ................................... 200
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 458
Playback options .............. 224, 229, 234
Point of interest Category ........................................ 161
Entering ......................................... 160
Entering a name ............................. 160Index15

Rear window heatingMalfunction .................................... 293
Switching on/off ........................... 293
Redials ................................................ 197
Refueling ............................................ 313
Remote control .................................. 123
Programming (garage door
opener) .......................................... 440
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...138
Reporting
Malfunctions relevant to safety ........ 27
Reserve (fuel tank)
see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 400
Warning lamp ................................. 418
Reset .................................................. 148
Residual heat Switching on/off ........................... 294
Restraint systems
see SRS
Reversing lamp (display message) .. 396
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 25
Roller blind see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ..................................... 95
Rear side windows ...........................90
Rear window .................................. 429
Rear window (COMAND) ................258
Roller sunblind of the panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel Operating (front roller sunblind) ....... 95
Operating (rear roller sunblind) ........96
Roof carrier ................................ 426, 427
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 459
Roof load (maximum) ........................ 516
Route Calculating ..................................... 154
Estimated time of arrival ................169
Route overview .............................. 170
see Route guidance (on-board
computer)
Route calculation
Starting .......................................... 154Route guidance .................................. 164
Cancel ........................................... 167
Continue ........................................ 167
Continuing ..................................... 167
Destination reached ......................168
Lane recommendations .................165
Off-road ......................................... 171
Traffic reports ................................ 172
Route guidance (on-board
computer) .......................................... 369
Route options Setting ........................................... 150
Route overview .................................. 170
Route type Setting ........................................... 150
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................60
Child restraint systems ....................61
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 48
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 42
Safety notes
Audio CD/DVD and MP3
mode ..................................... 217, 247
Operating safety ....................114, 266
Using the telephone ....................... 191
Video DVD mode ........................... 236
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
SatRadio ............................................. 213
Displaying information ...................217
Registering .................................... 214
Selecting a category ......................215
Switching to ................................... 214
Screen
Selecting for remote operation ......138
SD memory card
Loading .......................................... 218
Seat
Active multicontour seat ........ 106, 268
Adjusting (rear compartment) ........102
Selecting (COMAND) .....................266
Index17

Seat beltsAdjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................58
Adjusting the height ......................... 58
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........60
Belt force limiters ............................ 59
Cleaning ......................................... 459
Correct usage .................................. 56
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 59
Fastening ......................................... 57
Important safety guidelines .............55
Releasing ......................................... 58
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Special seat belt retractor ...............62
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................378
Warning lamp ................................. 414
Warning lamp (function) ................... 58
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........107
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ...................102
Adjusting lumbar support ..............106
Adjusting the head restraint ..........104
Cleaning the cover .........................458
Correct driver's seat position ........100
Important safety notes ..................101
Multicontour seat .......................... 106
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111
Switching seat heating on/off .......106
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................. 107
Seat ventilation
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........107
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 456
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 451
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 452
Service menu (on-board computer) . 377
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 514
Capacities ...................................... 511
Coolant (engine) ............................ 515
Engine oil ....................................... 513
Fuel ................................................ 512Important safety notes ..................510
Notes ............................................. 510
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 514
Washer fluid ................................... 515
Settings
On-board computer .......................377
Setting the air distribution
COMAND ....................................... 263
Shift ranges ....................................... 311
Showing the distance display (on-
board computer) ............................... 375
Side impact air bag ............................. 46
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 396
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............91
Convenience opening feature ..........90
Important safety information ...........89
Opening/closing .............................. 90
Resetting ......................................... 92
Troubleshooting ............................... 92
Skipping back
CD/DVD mode .............................. 222
Skipping forwards
CD/DVD mode .............................. 222
Sliding sunroof
Important safety information ...........93
Opening/closing .............................. 94
Resetting ......................................... 94
Troubleshooting ............................... 97
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................80
Changing the programming .............79
Checking the battery .......................80
Convenience closing feature ............91
Convenience opening feature ..........90
Display message ............................ 411
Important safety notes ....................76
Malfunction ...................................... 81
Starting the engine ........................301
Snow chains ...................................... 482
Socket ................................................ 431
Dashboard ..................................... 432
Rear compartment .........................432
Trunk ............................................. 43218Index

Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet describes all necessary maintenance
work that should be performed at regular
intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet with you when you bring
the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. The service advisor will record each
service in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number will be
answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (in the USA) or the
Roadside Assistance section of the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (in
Canada) You will find both in your vehicle
literature portfolio.
Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, be sure
to send in the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. This will assist
us in contacting you in a timely manner
should the need arise.
Introduction25

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available.
The use of leaded fuels can damage the
catalytic converter.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses:
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
26Introduction