emergency towing MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2011 W221 Owner's Manual

Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......500
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........501
Labeling (overview) ........................495
Load bearing index (definition) ......502
Load index ..................................... 498
Load index (definition) ...................501
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 501
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 501
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 501
Maximum tire load .........................494
Maximum tire load (definition) .......501
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 502
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 501
Replacing ....................................... 502
Service life ..................................... 482
Sidewall (definition) .......................502
Speed index (definition) .................500
Storing ........................................... 503
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 500
Temperature .................................. 495
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 502
Tire bead (definition) ......................502
Tire pressure (definition) ................501
Tire pressures (recommended) ......500
Tire size (data) ............................... 503
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................496
Tire tread ....................................... 481
Tire tread (definition) .....................501
Total load limit (definition) .............502
Traction ......................................... 495
Traction (definition) .......................502
Tread wear ..................................... 495
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 494
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................500
Unladen weight (definition) ............501
Wear indicator (definition) .............502
Wheel rim (definition) ....................500Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 480
Toggling .............................................. 198
Tone settings Balance and fader ..........................133
Treble and bass ............................. 133
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........473
Installing the towing eye ................474
Removing the towing eye ...............474
Track
Selecting ........................................ 248
Track information .............................. 250
Traffic jam function ........................... 168
Traffic Program Switching off .................................. 132
Traffic report
Real-time traffic report ..................174
Traffic report read-aloud function ... 172
Traffic reports .................................... 172
Transfer case ..................................... 313
Transmission position display ......... 308
Transmission positions .................... 309
Treble and bass Adjusting ....................................... 133
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 368
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 368
Resetting (on-board computer) ......369
True Image™ ...................................... 135
Trunk Automatic opening ..................... 86, 87
Emergency release ..........................88
Important safety guidelines .............85
Limiting the opening angle ............. 261
Locking separately ...........................87
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 410
Trunk lid opening height
restriction .......................................... 261
trunk load (maximum) ...................... 516
Turn signal (display message) ......... 394
Turn signals ....................................... 274
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate Index21

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................84
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 83
Using the telephone .......................... 197
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 429
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 28
Emergency unlocking .......................84
Equipment ....................................... 24
Exterior view .................................... 30
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 377
Loading .......................................... 490
Lowering ........................................ 467
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking up ..................................... 318
Raising ........................................... 464
Reporting problems .........................27
Towing away .................................. 473
Tow-starting ................................... 473
Transporting .................................. 475
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 516
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 509
Vehicle level ...................................... 336
Active Body Control .......................338
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 402
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 462
Vehicle weights ................................. 516
Video (DVD) ........................................ 371
Video DVD Fast forward/rewind ...................... 238
Operation ....................................... 236
Pause function ............................... 239
Selecting ........................................ 238
Selecting a film/title ...................... 239
Selecting a scene/chapter ............239
Stop function ................................. 239
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 371
Video DVD mode Switching to ................................... 237
VIN ...................................................... 509
Voice Control System Settings ......................................... 143
Volume
Adjusting ....................................... 132
Navigation announcements ...........132
Phone calls .................................... 132
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 415
Brakes ........................................... 413
Check Engine ................................. 418
ESP ®
.............................................. 416
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 417
Fuel tank ........................................ 418
Overview .......................................... 33
Reserve fuel ................................... 418
Seat belt ........................................ 414
SRS ................................................ 417
Tire pressure monitor ....................419
Warranty ............................................ 508
Waveband Switching (radio) ............................ 209
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 467
Wheel chock ...................................... 464
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................502
Changing a wheel .......................... 463
Checking ........................................ 480
Cleaning ......................................... 454
Mounting a wheel .......................... 466
Removing a wheel ..........................466
Storing ........................................... 503
Tightening torque ........................... 467
Wheel size/tire size .......................503
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 384
Operation ......................................... 47
Windows
see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 455
22Index

service subscription to a surveillance
service provider.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the corresponding cellular phone network
is available for transmitting data to the
customer center.
i Determining the location of the vehicle on
a map is only possible if there is sufficient
GPS reception and the vehicle position can
be forwarded to the customer center.
The mbrace system
The mbrace system provides three different
services:
R automatic and manual emergency call
R Roadside Assistance call
R MB info call
To control the volume during an mbrace call,
proceed as follows:
XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XUse the H volume controller of
COMAND ( Y page 117).
You can find information and a description of
all available features under "Owners Online"
at http://www.mbusa.com 29
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
GWarning
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if any or all of the following
conditions occur:
R The indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not come on during the system self-test.
R The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button º does not come on during the
system self-test.
R The indicator lamp in Information button
E does not come on during the system
self-test.
R The indicator lamp in the SOS button,
Roadside Assistance button º, or
Information button E remains
illuminated constantly in red after the
system self-test.
R The message Tele Aid Inoperative or
Tele Aid Not Activated appears in the
multifunction display after the system self-
test.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above,
the system may not operate as expected. In
case of an emergency, help will have to be
summoned by other means.
Have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or contact
the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under the number
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
Emergency call
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Make sure
that your system is activated and ready for
use, and press the E MB info call button
to register. If you cannot carry out any of
the steps mentioned, the system may not
be activated.
If you have any questions concerning
activation, please contact one of the
following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
29 USA only.Features433Loading, stowing and featuresZ

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

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

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

Vehicle remote opening
If you have unintentionally locked your
vehicle (e.g. the SmartKey is inside the
vehicle) and a replacement key is not
available:
XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under the
number 1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your password.XReturn to your vehicle at the time arranged
with the Response Center.XPull the trunk handle for at least 20
seconds until the indicator lamp in the SOS
button ( Y page 433) flashes.
The Connecting Call message appears in
the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be opened
via the Internet in the "Owners Online"
section using your ID number and
password 32
.
i Vehicle remote unlocking is only possible
if the corresponding cellular phone
network is accessible.
The SOS button flashes and the
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display to confirm that the
command for vehicle remote unlocking has
been received.
If you pull the trunk handle for more than
20 seconds before receiving authorization
for remote unlocking, you must wait 15
minutes before you can pull on the handle
of the trunk lid again.
Remote vehicle locking in an
emergency
If you forget to lock your vehicle but are no
longer in the vicinity of the vehicle, it can be
locked for you by the Response Center.
The vehicle can be locked remotely up to four
days after the ignition was last switched off.
XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under
866-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your PIN.
The next time you are in your vehicle and
switch on the ignition, the Tele Aid Doors
Locked Remotely message appears in the
multifunction display.
i The vehicle remote locking feature is
available when the relevant mobile phone
network is available and data connection is
possible.
Automatic retrieval of vehicle data for
the service due date
Your vehicle comes with a function which
improves the servicing of the vehicle
considerably. Shortly before the service due
date, mbrace sends important vehicle
maintenance information to your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. In this way, the
Mercedes-Benz Center is informed of the
work required. This happens automatically
and does not require any action from the
driver. This function allows the Mercedes-
Benz Center to improve appointment
planning significantly and ensures that your
vehicle receives the best service possible.
i The "Automatic retrieval of vehicle data
for the service due date" function is only
available if the relevant mobile phone
network is available and a data connection
is possible.
32 USA only.438FeaturesLoading, stowing and features