distance warning MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2011 W221 Owner's Manual

COMAND MenuVehicle ........................................... 257
COMAND operating system .............. 116
Combination switch .......................... 274
Conference connection ..................... 198
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 368
Convenience closing feature .............. 91
Convenience opening feature ............ 90
Convenience telephone Importing contacts ........................200
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level .........................450
Display message ............................ 397
Notes ............................................. 515
Temperature gauge ........................ 365
Cooling
see Climate control
Copy protection (CD/DVD) ............... 225
Cornering light (display message) ... 394
Crosshair position Saving ............................................ 180
Cruise control
Cruise control lever .......................324
Display message ............................ 407
Function/notes ............................. 323
Cup holder ......................................... 427
Center console .............................. 427
Rear compartment .........................428
Current fuel consumption (on-
board computer) ............................... 368
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ............................................... 27
Customer Relations Department ....... 27
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data carrier
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 226
Data medium
Audio DVD ..................................... 224
CD/DVD ........................................ 225
MP3 ............................................... 224
Date format
Setting ........................................... 142
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 396
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 377
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (COMAND) ...........259
Interior lighting (COMAND) ............259
Destination
Adopting from the list of previous
destinations ................................... 176
Destination entry
Point of interest ............................. 160
Destination information ................... 169
Destination input .............................. 151
Address ......................................... 151
Destination memory ......................156
Intermediate stop .......................... 158
Last destination ............................. 157
Map ............................................... 157
Destination memory ......................... 175
Deleting an entry ........................... 178
My address .................................... 175
Storing a destination .....................176
Digital speedometer ......................... 368
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 457
Display messages Brakes ........................................... 388
Calling up (on-board computer) .....380
Clearing (on-board computer) ........380
Driving systems ............................. 401
Engine ............................................ 397
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 411
Lamps ............................................ 394
Safety systems .............................. 381
Service interval display ..................451
SmartKey ....................................... 411
Tires ............................................... 407
Vehicle ........................................... 409
Distance
see Route overview
Distance recorder ............................. 368
Distance warning lamp ..................... 419
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 325
Deactivating ................................... 333
Display message ............................ 4068Index

Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 332
Driving tips .................................... 333
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 331
Warning lamp ................................. 419
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 83
Display message ............................ 410
Emergency locking ........................... 84
Emergency unlocking .......................84
Opening (from inside) ......................83
Power closing feature ......................84
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 37
Doors
Important safety notes ....................82
Drinking and driving ......................... 319
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 311
Manual ........................................... 311
Driving abroad ................................... 323
Driving Assistance package ............. 352
Driving on flooded roads .................. 322
Driving safety system BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 68
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution ...................................... 71
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 69
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 70
Important safety information ...........66
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......67
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 71
Adaptive brake lamps ......................69
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............67
Overview .......................................... 66
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 71
Driving system
Driving Assistance package ...........352Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................356
Active Body Control .......................338
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 355
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............359
AIRMATIC ...................................... 336
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................347
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 352
Cruise control ................................ 323
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 325
HOLD function ............................... 335
Lane Keeping Assist ......................354
Night View Assist Plus ...................348
Parking Guidance ........................... 342
PARKTRONIC ................................. 339
Rear view camera .......................... 346
Driving tips ........................................ 309
Braking .......................................... 322
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Downhill gradients .........................320
Driving on flooded roads ................322
Wet road surface ........................... 321
Winter ............................................ 323
DTMF tones
Sending ......................................... 200
DVD
Copy protection ............................. 225
Data medium ................................. 225
Handling ........................................ 186
Inserting ........................................ 217
Selecting a track ............................ 221
DVD changer ...................................... 217
DVD menu .................................. 240, 253
DVD playback conditions ................. 237
DVD-Video Picture settings .............................. 236
DVD-Video Operation
Automatic picture shutoff ..............235
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 108
Activating (COMAND) ....................258
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 108
Activating (COMAND) ....................258
Crash-responsive ........................... 109
Index9

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

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

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:Turn signal274;Electric parking brake, red413! Electric parking
brake, red (Canada only)413
=Electric parking brake,
yellow413
! Electric parking
brake, yellow (Canada only)413
?Seat belt414AESP®416BDistance warning419FunctionPageCBrakes (USA only)413J Brakes (Canada only)413DESP® OFF416ETire pressure monitor419FEngine diagnostics418GABS415HSRS417IHigh-beam headlamps275JReserve fuel418Instrument cluster33At a glance

keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz
strongly recommends that you inform the
subsequent owner that the vehicle is
equipped with SRS. Also refer them to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags
Important safety notes
GWarning
Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence
of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:
R frontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags)
R side impacts (side impact air bags and
window curtain air bags)
R rollover (window curtain air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
When the air bags are deployed, a small
amount of powder is released. The powder
generally does not constitute a health hazard
and does not indicate that there is a fire in the
vehicle. In order to prevent potential
breathing difficulties, you should leave the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have any breathing difficulty but cannot get
out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or
door.GWarning
To reduce the risk of injuries during front air
bag inflation, the driver and front-passenger
must always be seated correctly and have
their seat belts fastened accordingly.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision, you must always be in the normal
seat position with your back against the
backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure
that it is correctly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
R Only hold the steering wheel by the rim.
Placing hands and arms inside the rim can
increase the risk and potential severity of
44Occupant safetySafety

section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 66).
GWarning
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 66).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.Driving safety systems67SafetyZ

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

GWarning
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP ®
switched off.
This could cause serious damage to the
drive train.
XTo activate: (Y page 375).
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
EBD (Electronic Brake-force
Distribution)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 66).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWarning
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
Adaptive Brake
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
( Y page 335) and hill start assist
( Y page 302). For further information, see
Driving tips ( Y page 320).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS)
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision.
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), this function warns you
when you are rapidly approaching the vehicle
in front. An intermittent warning tone sounds
and the · distance warning lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving conditions may cause the
system to display an unnecessary warning.
If the driver and front-passenger have
fastened their seat belts, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
can also can also perform the following at
speeds of above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h):
R brake the vehicle automatically at speeds
up to approximately 124 mph (200 km/h)
R trigger preventative passenger protection
measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) ( Y page 53)
GWarning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
calculates that the distance to the vehicle
ahead and your vehicle's current speed
indicate that the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be
capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance, which
creates a danger of a collision.
Driving safety systems71SafetyZ

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