lock MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2012 W221 Owner's Manual

Rremove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
R insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
R switch on the ignition.
R depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the electric parking
brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Transmission position D with ECO
start/stop function activated
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is
braked to a standstill when in transmission
position D and the brake is still depressed.
For further information on the ECO start/stop
function ( Y page 306).
Shifting to transmission position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance.
Transmission position display
The current transmission position is shown in
the multifunction display.
:Transmission positioni The arrows in the transmission position
display show how and into which
transmission positions you can change
using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
! If the transmission position display in the
multifunction display is not working, you
should pull away carefully to check whether
the desired transmission position is
engaged. Ideally, you should select
transmission position D and drive program
E (drive program C on AMG vehicles) or S.
Do not restrict the shift range.
Transmission positions
BPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P unless the vehicle is
stationary. The parking lock should
not be used as a brake when
parking. In addition to engaging the
parking lock, you must always
apply the electric parking brake to
secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.CReverse gear
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.312Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

GWARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
GWARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers.
GWARNING
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel system and engine could be damaged. In
addition, the vehicle could catch fire.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a gasoline engine. Even a
small quantity of the wrong fuel will
damage the fuel system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
i Only refuel with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
You will usually find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
You can find more information under "Fuel"
( Y page 525), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Diesel
Fuel grade
! Only refuel with ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm SULFUR
MAXIMUM). Using other diesel fuels could
result in increased wear and damage to the
engine and/or exhaust system.
Never refuel with marine diesel or heating
oil.
Do not mix these fuels with diesel fuels and
do not use any special additives, as this
may result in damage.
! Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel
can. Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or the
fuel injection system could be blocked by
particles from the fuel can.
i Usually, you will find information about
the fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot
find the label on the gasoline pump, ask the
gas station staff.
You can find more information under “Fuel”
( Y page 525), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
318RefuelingDriving and parking

Low outside temperatures
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Never mix diesel with
gasoline or kerosene, as this may result in
damage to the engine or fuel system.
Diesel fuel with improved cold flow properties
is available during the winter months. Further
information on fuel properties can be
obtained from oil companies, e.g. at gas
stations.
Refueling
Fuel filler flap
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or using KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
in the instrument cluster 8. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
:To open the fuel filler flap;To insert the fuel filler cap=Tire pressure table?Fuel type
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door. This
switches the ignition to position 0, which
corresponds to having removed the
SmartKey. The driver’s door can be closed
again.XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.XOpen the fuel filler flap.XTurn the fuel filler cap counter-clockwise
and remove it.XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.XCompletely insert the pump nozzle into the
filler neck and refuel.XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
Closing
XReplace the fuel filler cap and turn it
clockwise. The fuel filler cap audibly
engages.XClose the fuel filler flap.
i If you drive with the fuel filler cap open,
the reserve fuel warning lamp flashes. In
addition, the ; Check Engine warning
lamp may light up. A message appears in
the multifunction display ( Y page 407).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 427).
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. A locking pin otherwise prevents
the fuel filler flap from closing after the
vehicle has been locked.
Refueling319Driving and parkingZ

Problems with fuel and the fuel tankProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0(Y page 303) in the ignition lock
immediately and remove it.XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.XUnlock the vehicle ( Y page 78).
or
XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 81).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine will not
start.The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run
completely dry.XRefuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel.XTurn the ignition on for at least 10 seconds ( Y page 303).XStart the engine continuously for up to 10 seconds until it runs
smoothly.
orXStart the engine via the touch-start function. To do this, turn the
SmartKey to position 3 (Y page 303) in the ignition lock and
then release it immediately.
If the engine does not start:
XTurn the ignition on again for approximately 10 seconds
( Y page 303).XStart the engine again continuously for up to 10 seconds until
it runs smoothly.
orXStart the engine again via the touch-start function.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.320RefuelingDriving and parking

use a sponge and cold water to clean it. DEF
residues crystallize after time and
contaminate the affected surfaces.
! DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to
the fuel tank, this can lead to engine
damage.
i If you are adding between maintenance
intervals, add approximately 1 gallon (3.8 l)
of DEF to the DEF tank. One gallon (3.8 l)
of DEF is approximately 2 DEF refill bottles.
Then, have the DEF supply checked and
filled completely if necessary. For this
purpose, Mercedes-Benz recommends a
qualified specialist workshop.
Further information on DEF ( Y page 527).
The filler neck for DEF is located under the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel in the
trunk floor.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the trunk.XLift up the trunk floor ( Y page 436).XTurn the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel fastening in the direction of the
arrow and remove it.XRemove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel.XTurn DEF cap : counter-clockwise and
remove it.XTurn DEF filler cap ; counter-clockwise
and open it.
Filler cap ; is secured with a plastic strap.XUnscrew the covering cap from DEF refill
bottle =.XPlace DEF refill bottle = on the filler neck
as shown and screw on clockwise hand-
tight.
! Only screw on the DEF refill bottle hand-
tight. It could otherwise be damaged.
322RefuelingDriving and parking

XPress DEF refill bottle = down.
The DEF tank is filled. This may take up to
one minute.
i If the DEF refill bottle is no longer pressed
down, the filling process stops and the
partially emptied bottle can be removed.
XRelease DEF refill bottle =.XTurn DEF refill bottle = counter-clockwise
and remove it.XPlace DEF filler cap ; on the filler neck and
turn it clockwise.XInsert DEF cap : as shown and turn it
clockwise as far as it will go.XPlace the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel in the emergency spare wheel well
above the DEF tank.XInsert the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel fastening and tighten clockwise.XFold the trunk floor down.XClose the trunk lid.XDrive at a speed above 10 mph (16 km/h).
The Check Additive See Operator's
Manual message goes out after
approximately one minute.
i If the Check Additive See
Operator's Manual message remains
shown in the multifunction display, add an
additional bottle of DEF.
i Then, have the DEF supply checked at a
qualified specialist workshop and
completely refilled if necessary.
Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system. Combustible
materials, such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited by the hot exhaust system and
cause a vehicle fire. Do not park the vehicle
on dry grassland or harvested grain fields.
Unintended vehicle movement can cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R keep your right foot on the brake pedal.
R engage the electric parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R slowly release the brake pedal.
R when parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock, or press the KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Parking323Driving and parkingZ

GWARNING
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
i If you cannot turn off the engine as
described here, see "Engine emergency
stop" ( Y page 487).
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the electric parking brake.XShift the transmission to position P.
Using the SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
i If you turn off the engine with the
SmartKey and then remove it from the
ignition lock or open a front door, the
automatic transmission shifts to P
automatically.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XPress the Start/Stop button (Y page 303).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
i When the driver's door is closed, this
corresponds to SmartKey position 1. When
the driver's door is open, it corresponds to
SmartKey position 0 or "SmartKey
removed".
i If you use the Start/Stop button to switch
off the engine, the automatic transmission
shifts to N automatically. If you then open
the driver's or front-passenger door, the
automatic transmission shifts to P.
i In an emergency, the engine can be
turned off while the vehicle is in motion by
pressing and holding the Start/Stop button
for three seconds. This function operates
independently from the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
Electric parking brake
General information
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P , either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Applying/releasing manually
XTo apply: press handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is removed.
XTo release: switch on the ignition.XPull handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
i The electric parking brake cannot be
released unless the SmartKey is in position
324ParkingDriving and parking

1 in the ignition lock or if the ignition has
been switched on using the Start/Stop
button.
Engaging the electric parking brake
automatically
The electric parking brake is automatically
applied if HOLD or DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
the vehicle until it is stationary and at least
one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
R the engine is switched off.
R the driver's door is open and the seat belt
is not fastened.
R the hood is released.
R the trunk lid is opened while the automatic
transmission is in position R.
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy
period.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
i In addition to the electric parking brake,
P may also be engaged automatically.
Releasing the electric parking brake
automatically
The electric parking brake is released
automatically when the following conditions
are simultaneously fulfilled:
R the engine is running.
R the automatic transmission is in position
D or R.
R the hood is closed.
R your seat belt is fastened.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the automatic transmission is in position
R , the trunk lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
R the driver's door is closed.
R you shift out of P or you have previously
driven faster than 3 km/h.
R you have shifted out of P or you have
previously driven faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h).
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency using the electric parking brake.
XWhile driving, push handle : of the electric
parking brake ( Y page 324).
i
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
the handle of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
R a warning tone sounds.
R the Please Release Parking Brake
message appears.
R the red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharge.
XConnect a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Parking325Driving and parkingZ

more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt
treated roadsGWARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. This work
should be carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.GWARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
a dynamometer, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, you could
damage the drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or
1 ) when the electric parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the electric parking brake on a
brake dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
328Driving tipsDriving and parking

Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with
its operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.
GWARNING
When DISTRONIC brakes, the brake pedal is
pulled back (i.e. operated automatically). The
area around the pedal must not be blocked by
obstacles:
R do not place any objects in the footwell.
R ensure that floormats and carpets are fixed
securely. In particular, do not place several
floormats on top of one another.
R do not place your foot under the brake
pedal, as it could become trapped.
Non-compliance could lead you to cause an
accident in which you and/or others could be
seriously injured.
GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience
system. Its speed adjustment reduction
capability is intended to make cruise control
more effective and usable when traffic speeds
vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does
it, replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle's speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and
traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings.
If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you,
the radar sensor system must be activated
( Y page 387) and operational.
If there is no vehicle driving in front of you,
DISTRONIC PLUS functions like cruise
control at a speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph
(Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in
front of you, it functions at a speed range
between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph
(Canada: 200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual if
there are any questions concerning this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor 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, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It does not react to pedestrians
or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize
or predict the curvature and lane layout or the
movement of preceding vehicles. The
DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum
of 40% of the vehicle's braking power.
The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such
as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver's responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
Driving systems333Driving and parkingZ