Traffic assist MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2011 W221 Owner's Manual

Head restraintsAdjusting (electrically) ...................104
Adjusting (rear) .............................. 105
see NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High beam flasher ............................. 276
Hill start assist .................................. 302
HOLD function ................................... 335
HOLD function (display message) ... 403
Home address ................................... 175
Entering and saving .......................154
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 156
Hood
Closing ........................................... 447
Display message ............................ 410
Opening ......................................... 446
Hydroplaning ..................................... 322
I
Immobilizer .......................................... 73
Incident (traffic report) ..................... 172
Indicator and warning lamps DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 419
Insect protection on the radiator .... 447
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 32
Submenu (on-board computer) ......377
Warning and indicator lamps ...........33
Interior lighting
Ambient light (COMAND) ...............260
Automatic control ..........................278
Interior lighting .............................. 259
Manual control ............................... 278
Reading lamp ................................. 277
Intermediate stop
Deleting ......................................... 160
Intermediate top
Entering ......................................... 158
iPod ®
Alphabetic track selection .............233
Connecting to the Media
Interface ........................................ 229
Device version ............................... 229
Selecting a category/playlist .........232
iTunes®
............................................... 233
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 462
Using ............................................. 464
Jump-starting ..................................... 471
K
KEYLESS-GO Button ............................................ 299
Convenience closing feature ............91
Display message ............................ 411
Locking ............................................ 77
Starting the engine ........................301
Unlocking ......................................... 77
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 299
SmartKey ....................................... 299
Kickdown ................................... 309, 312
L
Lane-change assistant see Active Blind Spot Assist
see Blind Spot Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 376
Display message ............................ 404
Function/information ....................354
Lane recommendations .................... 165
Explanation .................................... 167
Presentation .................................. 167
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 63
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 395
Lights Automatic headlamp mode ............273
Cornering light function .................277
Daytime running lamps ..................273
Driving abroad ............................... 272
Fog lamps ...................................... 274
Hazard warning lamps ...................276
High-beam headlamps ...................275
Light switch ................................... 272
12Index

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

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

Proper use of the vehicle
To ensure proper use of the vehicle, you must
familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself.
Removing warning labels may cause you and
others to be unaware of certain risks which
may result in an accident and/or personal
injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Mercedes-Benz Center again or, if
necessary, contact us at one of the following
addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting malfunctions relevant to
safety
For the USA only:
The following text is reproduced as required
of all manufacturers according to Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to: http://www.safercar.gov ; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain additional information
about vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov .
Introduction27Z

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

Rdisturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not
reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and
approaching traffic or cross-traffic.
BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles
driving in front of you, such as motorcycles
and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle
center.
Following a collision or accident-related
damage to the front end of the vehicle, have
the configuration and operation of the radar
sensors checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
Adaptive brake lights
i Adaptive brake lamps are only available in
the USA and only on the S 600 and S65
AMG.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is
assisted by BAS or BAS PLUS, the brake
lamps flash rapidly. In this way, traffic
traveling behind you is warned in an even
more noticeable manner.
If you brake from a speed of more than
40 mph (70 km/h) to a standstill, the hazard
warning lamps are switched on automatically
when the vehicle is stationary. If the brakes
are applied again, the brake lamps light up
continuously. The hazard warning lamps
switch off automatically if you drive faster
than 6 mph (10 km/h) again. You can also
switch off the hazard warning lamps using the
hazard warning lamp button ( Y page 276).
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notesGWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 66).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWarning
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
using a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
Driving safety systems69SafetyZ

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

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

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