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

Symbols
Registered trademarks:
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of the
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
R Dolby and MLP are registered trademarks
of Dolby Laboratories.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is a registered trademark of
Daimler AG.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R iPod ®
and iTunes ®
are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the
USA. and in other countries.
R Logic 7 ®
is a registered trademark of
Harman International Industries,
Incorporated.
R Microsoft ®
a registered trademark of the
Microsoft Corporation in the USA and in
other countries.
R SIRIUS and related brands are registered
trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
R HD Radio and related brands are registered
trademarks of the iBiquity Digital
Corporation.
R Windows Media ®
is a registered trademark
of the Microsoft Corporation in the USA and
in other countries.
R Gracenote ®
is a registered trademark of
Gracenote, Inc.
R ZagatSurvey ®
and related brands are
registered trademarks of Zagat.
In this Operator's Manual you will find the
following symbols:GWarning
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that endanger your health or life, or
the health or life of others.
! Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that could cause damage to your
vehicle.
i Practical tips or other information that
could be helpful to you.XThis symbol indicates instructions
that you must follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
instructions with several steps.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis symbol marks a warning or
procedure which is continued on
the next page.DisplayText in the multifunction display/
COMAND display.

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

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

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.
Occupant safety
Overview of occupant safety
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts
R Child restraint systems
R LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
Additional protection is provided by:
R SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
R NECK-PRO head restraints
R PRE-SAFE ®
R Air bag system components with:
- PASSENGER air bag OFF indicator lamp
- USA only: front passenger seat with
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
- Canada only: front passenger seat with
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system
The different air bag systems work
independently of each other. The protective
functions of the systems work in conjunction
with each other. Not all air bags are deployed
in an accident.
GWarning
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
( Y page 60) for more information on
infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle and restraints for infants and
children.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle's interior in the
event of an accident. It can also reduce the
effect of the forces to which occupants are
subjected during an accident.
SRS consists of:
R the 6 SRS warning lamp
R air bags
R air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
R belt tensioners
R belt force limiters
SRS warning lamps
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the 6 SRS warning lamp
goes out while the engine is running.
42Occupant safetySafety

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.
Introduction
Operating safety
General notes
GRisk of accident and injury
Vehicles with HYBRID: ensure that you read
the "HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise
fail to recognize dangers.
GWarning
Any alterations of electronic components or
software can cause malfunctions.
Radio, satellite radio, amplifier, DVD changer,
navigation module, telephone and Voice
Control systems are interconnected.
Therefore, if one of the components is not
operational, or has not been removed/
replaced properly, the function of other
components could be impaired.
Such conditions might seriously impair the
operating safety of your vehicle.
We recommend to have any service work on
electronic components carried out by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning
In order to avoid distraction which could lead
to an accident, the driver should enter system
settings while the vehicle is at a standstill, and
operate the system only when permitted by
road, weather and traffic conditions.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your car covers a
distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) every
second.
COMAND supplies you with information to
help you select your route more easily and
guide you conveniently and safely to your
destination. For safety reasons, we
encourage the driver to stop the vehicle in a
safe place before answering or placing a call,
or consulting the COMAND screen to read
navigational maps, instructions, or
downloaded information.GWarning
While the navigation system provides
directional assistance, the driver must remain
focused on safe driving behavior, especially
attention to traffic and street signs, and
should utilize the system’s audio cues while
driving.
The navigation system does not supply any
information on stop signs, yield signs, traffic
regulations or traffic safety rules. Their
observance always remains in the driver’s
personal responsibility. DVD maps do not
cover all areas nor all routes within an area.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Both of the following conditions must
be fulfilled to be approved for use:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and(2) This device must accept all external
interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operating problems.GWarning
Change or modification not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.
! Note: This equipment has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment
114IntroductionCOMAND

is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.GWarning
This equipment complies with FCC radiation
exposure limits set forth for uncontrolled
equipment and meets the FCC radio
frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines in
Supplement C to OET65.
This equipment has very low levels of RF
energy that is deemed to comply without
maximum permissive exposure evaluation
(MPE). But it is desirable that it should be
installed and operated with at least 8 inches
(20 cm) and more between the radiator and a
person's body (excluding extremities: hands,
wrists, feet and legs.)
Correct use
Observe the following information when using
COMAND:
R the safety notes in this manual
R all road traffic regulations
i Improper work on electronic components
or other systems (such as radio, DVD
changer) and their software may result in
malfunction or failure. Even systems that
have not been modified could be affected
because the electronic systems are
connected. Electronic malfunctions can
seriously jeopardize the operational safety
of your vehicle.
i Only have work or changes to electronic
components carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools
to carry out the work required. Daimler
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 Protection against theft: this device is
equipped with technical provisions to
protect it against theft. Further information
on protection against theft can be obtained
from an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Vehicle equipment
These operating instructions describe all
standard and optional equipment available
for your vehicle at the time of going to print.
Country-specific deviations are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
includes safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from some of the descriptions
or illustrations. The original purchase
agreement lists all systems installed in your
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center if you have any questions about
equipment or operation.
Function restrictions
For safety reasons, some COMAND functions
are restricted or unavailable while the vehicle
is in motion. You will notice this, for example,
because you will either not be able to select
certain menu items or because COMAND will
display a message to this effect.
To protect the integrated hard drive against
damage, COMAND deactivates the drive at
very high temperatures. The following
functions will be temporarily unavailable:
R navigation system
R Voice Control System
R address book
R MUSIC REGISTER
Introduction115COMANDZ

Cleaning instructions
! Do not touch the COMAND display. The
display has a very sensitive high-gloss
surface; there is a risk of scratching. If you
have to clean the screen, however, use a
mild cleaning agent and a soft, lint-free
cloth.
When cleaning, the display must be switched
off and cooled down. Clean the display
screen, when necessary, with a commercially
available microfiber cloth and cleaning agent
for TFT/LCD displays. Then, dry the surface
with a dry microfiber cloth.
Avoid using alcoholic thinners, gasoline or
abrasive cleaning agents. These products can
damage the display surface. Do not apply
pressure to the display surface when cleaning
it as this could cause irreversible damage.
Remote control
Overview
You can use the remote control to operate the
COMAND display, SPLITVIEW and either one
of the rear-compartment screens.
:To switch the screen on/off (Rear Seat
Entertainment System only)
;To switch button lighting on/off=To select the screen for remote control
operation (COMAND, SPLITVIEW, L
REAR and REAR R can be selected)
?To select a menu or menu itemATo confirm a selection or settingBTo switch the sound on/off (Rear Seat
Entertainment System in conjunction with
corded headphones)
CTo adjust the volume (Rear Seat
Entertainment System in conjunction with
corded headphones)
DCOMAND: e.g. to set the station, skip
track, fast forward/rewind. Rear Seat
Entertainment System: skip track, fast
forward/rewind
At a glance123COMANDZ

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

is supplied on a DVD (all other countries). You
do not need an activation code for the map
software that is delivered with your vehicle.
You also do not need to enter an activation
code if map software has already been
installed in the vehicle and must be installed
again.
Installation processXLoad the map software DVD in the DVD
drive ( Y page 217).
COMAND checks the DVD and shows a
corresponding message in the display.
The map software is not compatible with
the navigation system
A message appears informing you that it is
not possible to install the map software.
XTo confirm the message: press W.
COMAND ejects the DVD.XTake the DVD out of the slot.XLoad a DVD that is compatible with the
vehicle's navigation system.
The map software is not compatible with
the current system software
A message appears informing you that the
system software and the map software are
not compatible.
XTo confirm the message: press W.
COMAND ejects the DVD.XTake the DVD out of the slot.XHave the system software updated at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
It is only possible to install the map software
after the system software has been updated.
The map software is compatible with the
navigation system and the current
system software
COMAND checks whether the DVD map data
has already been installed.
The map data has already been installed
A message appears informing you that the
map data has already been installed, and a
prompt asks you whether the map software
should be installed anyway.XSelect Yes or No.
If you select Yes, the existing map data is
overwritten.
If you select No, COMAND ejects the DVD
automatically and the installation of the
map software is canceled.XTake the DVD out of the slot.
Map data is not yet installed
The version data of the map software DVD
and the map software installed on COMAND
are shown in the display for comparison. A
prompt then appears, asking whether the
map software should be installed.
XSelect Yes or No.
If you select Yes, the map data is saved.
If you select No, COMAND ejects the DVD
automatically and the installation of the
map software is not continued.XTake the DVD out of the slot.
If an activation code is required for the map
software, a prompt appears in the display
asking you to enter it.
XEnter the activation code and press ! to
confirm.
The software is installed.
If you enter an incorrect activation code, a
prompt appears asking you to enter the
activation code again. After the activation
code has been entered incorrectly three
times, there is a time-delay before the prompt
to enter the activation code appears again.
The time delay increases every time the
activation code is entered incorrectly, from
five minutes up to a maximum of five hours.
Installing map data
COMAND restarts the system immediately
before copying the data.
Navigation187COMANDZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe Navigation
function
unavailable message
appears.COMAND has an integrated hard disk on which the digital map is
stored.
To protect the hard disk from damage, COMAND switches it off at
very high temperatures. The navigation system will then be
temporarily unavailable.XLet the vehicle and COMAND cool down.XTo hide the message: switch COMAND off and then on again.If an area of the hard disk has a malfunction, COMAND can no
longer access the map data in this area, for example when
calculating a route.XTo hide the message: switch COMAND off and then on again.
The navigation system will be operational again until it has to
access the faulty area of the hard disk once more. The message
will then reappear.XConsult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsYou will see a message
informing you that the
DVD containing the
digital map is
incompatible with the
system software.The DVD containing the digital map cannot be used for the update.XTo confirm the message: press W the COMAND controller.XEject the DVD.XHave the system software updated at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsInstallation of the map
software has failed.The DVD is dirty or scratched.XClean the DVD.XRestart the installation.There is overheating due to excessive temperatures in the vehicle
interior.XWait until the vehicle interior has cooled down.XRestart the installation.COMAND's integral hard disk is faulty.XConsult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.190NavigationCOMAND