radiator 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

Entering a phone number ..............161
Entering using the map ..................163
ZAGAT ®
rating service ...................163
Point of interest icon
Setting ........................................... 181
Point of interest list .......................... 162
Power closing feature ......................... 84
Power steering Filling capacity ............................... 511
Power washers .................................. 454
Power windows see Side windows
Pre-emptive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
system
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 376
Function/notes ................................ 71
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Display message ............................ 383
Warning lamp ................................. 419
PRE-SAFE ®
system
Display message ............................ 383
Operation ......................................... 53
Previous destinations ....................... 178
Product information ............................ 24
Programmable button ....................... 118
Program selector button .................. 310
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................301
PULSE
see Massage function
R
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 372
Radar sensor system Display message ............................ 403
Radar sensor system (on-board
computer) .......................................... 378
Radiator cover ................................... 447
Radio
Changing stations (on-board
computer) ...................................... 370
HD Radio™ .................................... 212
see separate operating instructions
Radio-controlled equipment
Assembly ....................................... 442
Radio mode
Switching to ................................... 208
Radio station
Storing ........................................... 210
Range (on-board computer) ............. 368
Read-aloud function .......................... 172
Read-aloud speed Setting ........................................... 143
Real-time traffic reports ........... 172, 175
Rear compartment Activating/deactivating climate
control ........................................... 289
Setting the airflow .........................292
Setting the air vents ..............295, 296
Setting the temperature ................291
Rear-compartment screens .............. 137
Rear-compartment seats .................. 102
Rear fog lamp (display message) ..... 396
Rear Seat Entertainment System Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode .....247
AUX mode ............................. 139, 255
Changing the batteries ..................243
Remote control .............................. 138
Several users ................................. 245
System settings ............................. 246
Using headphones .........................244
Using the main loudspeaker ..........244
Video DVD mode ........................... 250
Wireless headphones .....................140
Rear seats
Overview .......................................... 39
Rear view camera .............................. 346
Rear view camera (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 456
Rear-view mirror Dipping (automatic) .......................110
Rear window blind ............................ 429
see Rear window roller sunblind 16Index

WindshieldDefrosting ...................................... 292
Infrared reflective .......................... 442
Windshield washer fluid (display
message) ............................................ 410
Windshield washer system Adding washer fluid .......................450
Notes ............................................. 515
Windshield wipers
Replacing the wiper blades ....281, 282
Switching on/off ........................... 281
Troubleshooting ............................. 282
Winter operation ....................... 323, 482
Radiator cover ............................... 447
Winter tires ........................................ 482
Wiper blades Cleaning ......................................... 456
Z
ZAGAT ®
rating service ...................... 163
Index23

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

If the lanes are very wide, it may not be
possible to monitor the complete width of the
neighboring lane. For this reason, vehicles in
the next lane may not be detected, especially
if they are driving in a staggered formation.
This may be the case if vehicles are driving at
the edge of their lane that is furthest away
from your vehicle.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions and
your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to
recognize dangers in time, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others.
If the lanes are narrow, the system may be
unable to distinguish the neighboring lane
from the one beyond it. For this reason,
vehicles in the farther lane may be indicated,
especially if the vehicles are driving in a
staggered formation in different lanes. In
particular, this may be the case if the vehicles
are driving at the edge of their lane nearest
your vehicle. Due to the nature of the system,
warnings may be issued in error when driving
close to crash barriers or similar solid lane
borders.
Two Active Blind Spot Assist sensors are
integrated into the front and rear bumpers
respectively. An additional sensor is located
behind the cover in the radiator grill. Make
sure that the bumpers are free from dirt, ice
or slush around the sensors. The rear radar
sensors must not be covered, for example by
bicycle racks or overhanging loads. Following
a severe impact or in the event of damage to
the bumpers, have the function of the radar
sensors checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Active Blind Spot Assist may
otherwise fail to work correctly.
Information and warning display:Yellow indicator lamp/red warning lamp
When Active Blind Spot Assist is activated,
indicator lamp : in the exterior mirrors lights
up in yellow at speeds of up to 20 mph
(30 km/h). At speeds above 20 mph
(30 km/h), the indicator lamp goes out and
Active Blind Spot Assist is operational.
If a vehicle is detected within the monitoring
range of Blind Spot Assist at speeds above
(30 km/h), warning lamp : on the
corresponding side lights up in red. This
warning is always emitted when a vehicle
enters the blind spot monitoring range from
behind or from the side. When you overtake
a vehicle, the warning only occurs if the
difference in speed is less than 7 mph
(12 km/h).
The yellow indicator lamp goes out if reverse
gear is engaged. Active Blind Spot Assist is
then no longer active.
The brightness of the indicator/warning
lamps is adjusted automatically according to
the ambient light.
GWarning
Active Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds
lower than 20 mph (30 km/h). The indicator
lamps in the exterior mirrors are yellow.
Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not
indicated.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions and
your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to
recognize dangers in time, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others.
Driving systems357Driving and parkingZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
InoperativeUSA only: one or more main functions in the mbrace system are
malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more of the main functions of the TELEAID
system is malfunctioning.XUSA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.XCanada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Oper. ManualGRisk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.PRE-SAFE
Functions
Currently Limited
See Operator's
ManualGRisk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is insufficient.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is operational again and the display message
disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 456).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 456).XRestart the engine.XWait until the battery is sufficiently charged.Display messages383On-board computer and displaysZ

! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Low Stop
Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
398Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDISTRONIC PLUS
Currently
Unavailable See
Oper. ManualDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational again and the display message
disappears if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 456).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 456).XRestart the engine.DISTRONIC PLUS
InoperativeDISTRONIC PLUS is faulty. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
also have failed. A warning tone also sounds.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.DISTRONIC PLUS
OverrideYou have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.XTake your foot off the accelerator pedal.DISTRONIC PLUS
--- mphAn activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.XCheck activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 325).406Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Vehicle equipment
iThis manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all functions described.
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWarning
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
GWarning
Hybrid vehicles: ensure that you read the
"HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise fail
to recognize dangers.
GWarning
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes.
GWarning
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage,
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system:
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.
GWarning
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument cluster.
446Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

XPull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XPull hood catch handle ; outwards from
the radiator grill as far as it will go and lift
the hood from underneath by the radiator
grill.
! Do not lift the hood by hood catch
handle ;. The handle may otherwise be
damaged.
Closing the hood
GWarning
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).
XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Radiator
iVehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, for example with a
winter front or bug cover. Otherwise, the
readings of the on-board-diagnostic
system may be inaccurate. Some of these
readings are required by law and must be
accurate at all times.
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
GWarning
Hybrid vehicles: ensure that you read the
"HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise fail
to recognize dangers.
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 l) of oil over a
distance of 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
On vehicles with a 12-cylinder engine, the oil
level can be checked using the on-board
computer. On all other models, the dipstick
must be used to check the engine oil level.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Engine compartment447Maintenance and careZ