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

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 24At a glance ........................................... 29Safety ................................................... 41Opening and closing ...........................75Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....99COMAND ............................................ 113Lights and windshield wipers ..........271Climate control ................................. 285Driving and parking ..........................297On-board computer and displays ....363Loading, stowing and features ........421Maintenance and care ......................445Roadside assistance .........................461Tires and wheels ............................... 479Technical data ................................... 507
Contents3

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

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

SOSsee mbrace
Sound
Switching on/off ........................... 132
Sound Mode ....................................... 135
Sound settings .................................. 133
Spare wheel Notes/data .................................... 506
Storage location ............................ 462
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating
additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 377
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 368
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 377
SPLITVIEW ......................................... 120
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 384
Introduction ..................................... 42
Warning lamp ................................. 417
Warning lamp (function) ................... 42
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 368
Starting the engine Important safety notes ..................301
State/province
Selecting ........................................ 152
Station
Selecting ........................................ 209
Storing ........................................... 210
see Radio
Station search ................................... 209
Steering (display message) .............. 410
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................108
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 365
Cleaning ......................................... 458
Important safety notes ..................107
Memory function (storing
settings) ......................................... 108
Steering wheel heating ..................108
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 310
Storage options Selecting ........................................ 177
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................. 423
Door ............................................... 423
Glove box ....................................... 422
Rear ............................................... 424
Stowage space
Cup holders ................................... 427
Important safety information .........422
Rear seat backrest ......................... 425
Rear seats (between) .....................424
Stowage well ..................................... 426
Trunk floor (under) .........................426
Submenu (on-board computer)
Instrument cluster .........................377
Lights ............................................. 377
Standard display ............................ 368
Summer and standard time
Switching ....................................... 142
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 428
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Surround sound ................................. 134
Suspension tuning ............................ 337
Active Body Control .......................338
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 73
System language Setting ........................................... 148
System settings (COMAND)
Programmable button ....................118
T
Tachometer ........................................ 365
Tail lamp (display message) ............. 395
Taillight see Tail lamps
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 32
Technical data ................................... 508
S 550 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY ..... 516
S 550 BlueEFFICIENCY ..................516
S 600 ............................................. 516
S 63 AMG ...................................... 517
Index19

Exterior viewFunctionPage:Trunk lid85Vehicle tool kit462;Lights278=Rear window defroster293?Fuel filler flap313AExterior mirrors109BSliding sunroof93CDefrosting the windshield292Cleaning the windows455FunctionPageDWindshield wipers281EOpens the hood446Engine oil447Coolant450FTowing473GTires and wheels480Flat tire46330Exterior viewAt a glance

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

Window curtain air bags : are deployed:
R on the side on which an impact occurs
R at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
R regardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
R independently of seat belt use
R if the vehicle overturns and the system
determines that window curtain air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R independently of the front air bags
Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in
impacts with deceleration rates which do not
exceed the system’s preset deployment
thresholds for vehicle deceleration or
acceleration. You will then be protected by
the seat belt.
Occupant classification system (OCS)
Operating principles of the Occupant
Classification System
OCS categorizes the occupant on the front-
passenger seat by means of a weight sensor.
The front-passenger front air bag is
automatically deactivated for certain weight
categories. The respective status can be
recognized by the 42 indicator
lamp. With the 42 indicator
lamp illuminated, the front-passenger front
air bag is deactivated.
The system does not deactivate:
R the side impact air bag
R the window curtain air bag
R the Emergency Tensioning Devices
To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit:
R with the seat belt properly fastened
R in a position that is as upright as possible
with the back against the seat backrest
R with their feet on the floor
If the front-passenger's weight is transferred
to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by
leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to
approximate the occupant's weight category.
If the front passenger seat, the seat cover, or
the seat cushion are damaged, have the
necessary repair work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use seat
accessories that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driver and the front passenger
should observe the 42 indicator
lamp to determine whether or not the front
passenger is positioned correctly.GWarning
If the 42 indicator lamp lights up
when an adult or someone larger than a small
individual is in the front-passenger seat, have
the front passenger reposition himself or
herself in the seat until the 42
indicator lamp goes out.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front-passenger front air
bag deployment when the OCS has classified
the front-passenger seat occupant as
weighing as much as or less than a typical 12-
month-old child in a standard child restraint
or if the front-passenger seat is classified as
being empty.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 42 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
48Occupant safetySafety

fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
lights up for six seconds each time the engine
is started. It then goes out once the driver and
the front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. The warning tone goes out
after approximately six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
If, after six seconds, the driver or front-
passenger have not fastened their seat belts
and the doors are closed:
R the 7 seat belt warning lamp remains
illuminated as long as either the driver's or
front-passenger seat belt is not fastened.
R if the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph
(25 km/h), the 7 seat belt warning
lamp lights up. Additionally, a warning tone
will sound with increasing intensity for a
maximum of 60 seconds or until the
driver's and front-passenger seat belt are
fastened.
If the driver/front passenger unfasten their
seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the
7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and a
warning tone sounds again.
The warning tone ceases even if the driver or
front passenger have still not fastened their
seat belt after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt
warning lamp stops flashing but remains
illuminated.
After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the
warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat
belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle
speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h) .
The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes
out if:
R both the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
or
R the vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
i For more information on the 7 seat
belt warning lamp, see "Indicator andwarning lamps in the instrument cluster,
seat belt" ( Y page 414).
Emergency Tensioning Devices and
seat belt force limiters
The front seat belts and the outer seat belts
in the rear are equipped with ETDs and belt
force limiters.
! If the front-passenger seat is not
occupied, do not engage the seat belt
tongue in the buckle on the front-
passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency
Tensioning Device could be triggered in the
event of an accident.
The belt tensioners tighten the seat belts in
an accident, pulling them close against the
body.
Belt tensioners do not correct incorrect seat
positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
Belt tensioners do not pull vehicle occupants
back towards the backrest.
Seat belt force limiters, when triggered, help
to reduce the peak force exerted by the seat
belt on the vehicle occupant.
The front belt force limiters are synchronized
with the front air bags, which take on a part
of the deceleration force. Thus, the force
exerted on the occupant is distributed over a
greater area.
The belt tensioners can only be activated
when:
R the ignition is switched on.
R the restraint systems are operational; see
"SRS warning lamp" ( Y page 42).
R the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each of the three-point seat belts in the
front.
R the front-passenger seat is occupied and
the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
the front-passenger side.
The belt tensioners on the outside seats in the
rear compartment are triggered
independently of the lock status of the seat
belts.
Occupant safety59SafetyZ

The belt tensioners are triggered depending
on the type and severity of an accident:
R in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision, if the vehicle decelerates or
accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal
direction during the initial stages of the
impact
R in the event of a side impact, on the side
opposite the impact if the vehicle
decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a
lateral direction
R in certain situations, if the vehicle
overturns and the system determines that
it can provide additional protection
If the air bags are deployed, you will hear a
bang and a small amount of powder may also
be released. Only in rare cases will the bang
affect your hearing. The powder that is
released generally does not constitute a
health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp
lights up.GWarning
Pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Devices
that have been deployed must be renewed.
For your safety, when disposing of Emergency
Tensioning Devices, always observe the
safety instructions. These are available from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The PRE-SAFE ®
system has electrically
operated reversible pre-tensioners that do
not require replacement after activation.
Automatic comfort-fit feature
The front seat belts have an automatic
comfort-install feature. In vehicles with a rear
bench seat with electrically adjustable outer
seats, the seat belts for the outer seats have
an automatic comfort-install feature. The
automatic comfort-install feature reduces the
retraction force of the seat belts. This results
in increased seat belt comfort.
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
GWarning
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. 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
ignition lock 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 on these
parts.
GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or trunk 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
60Children in the vehicleSafety