Driving mode MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2012 W221 User Guide

XTurn the mechanical key counter-clockwise
from position 1 as far as it will go to
position 2.
The trunk is unlocked.XTurn the mechanical key back to position
1 and remove it.XInsert the mechanical key into the
SmartKey.
Trunk emergency release
You can open the trunk lid from inside the
vehicle with the emergency release button.
XBriefly press emergency release
button :.
The trunk lid unlocks and opens.
The trunk lid can be unlocked and opened
with the trunk lid emergency release when
the vehicle is stationary or while driving.
Trunk lid emergency release light:
R emergency release button : flashes for
30 minutes after the trunk lid is opened.
R emergency release button : flashes for
60 minutes after the trunk lid is closed.
The trunk lid emergency release does not
open the trunk lid if the battery is
disconnected or discharged.
Side windows
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When opening or closing the door windows,
make sure that there is no danger of anyone
being harmed by the opening/closing
procedure.
The door windows are equipped with
automatic operation and the anti-entrapment
feature. If in automatic mode a door window
encounters an obstruction that blocks its
path, the anti-entrapment feature will stop the
door window and open it slightly.
The door windows operate differently when
the switch is pulled. See the "Problems with
door windows" section for details.
The closing of the door windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the switch or,
if the switch was pulled past the resistance
point and released, by either pressing or
pulling the respective switch.
Activate the override switch when children
are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The
children may otherwise injure themselves,
e.g. by becoming trapped in the door window
opening.
GWARNING
Do not keep any part of your body up against
the window pane when opening a window. The
downward motion of the pane may pull that
part of your body down between the window
pane and the door frame and trap it there. If
there is a risk of entrapment, release the
switch and pull it to close the window.
92Side windowsOpening/closing

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 31).
Introduction
Operating safety
General notes
GWARNING
Vehicles with HYBRID: ensure that you read
the "HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise
fail to recognize dangers.
GWARNING
Making alterations to electronic components
can cause malfunctions.
Radio, satellite radio, amplifier, DVD changer,
navigation module, phone and voice control
are networked together. If one component is
not functional or if it has been incorrectly
removed/replaced, this could impair the
operation of other components.
This could seriously jeopardize the
operational safety of your vehicle.
We recommend that you always have
maintenance work on electronic components
carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
GWARNING
In order to avoid distraction which could lead
to an accident, the driver should enter system
settings while the vehicle is at a standstill, and
operate the system only when permitted by
road, weather and traffic conditions.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your car covers a
distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) every
second.
COMAND supplies you with information to
help you select your route more easily and
guide you conveniently and safely to your
destination. For safety reasons, we
encourage the driver to stop the vehicle in a
safe place before answering or placing a call,
or consulting the COMAND screen to read
navigational maps, instructions, or
downloaded information.GWARNING
While the navigation system provides
directional assistance, the driver must remain
focused on safe driving behavior, especially
attention to traffic and street signs, and
should utilize the system's audio cues while
driving.
The navigation system does not supply any
information on stop signs, yield signs, traffic
regulations or traffic safety rules. Their
observance always remains in the driver's
personal responsibility. DVD maps do not
cover all areas nor all routes within an area.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i USA only: This device complies with Part
15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
116IntroductionCOMAND

GWARNING
Navigation announcements are intended to
direct you while driving without diverting your
attention from the road and driving.
Please always use this feature instead of
consulting the map display for directions.
Looking at the icons or map display can
distract you from traffic conditions and
driving, and increase the risk of an accident.
General information
Operational readiness of the navigation
system
The navigation system must determine the
position of the vehicle before first use or
whenever operational status is restored.
Therefore, you may have to drive for a while
before precise route guidance is possible.
GPS reception
Correct functioning of the navigation system
depends, amongst other things, on GPS
reception. In certain situations, GPS
reception may be impaired, there may be
interference or there may be no reception at
all, e.g. in tunnels or parking garages.
Entry restriction
On vehicles for certain countries, there is a
restriction on entering data.
The restriction is active from a vehicle speed
of over approximately 3 mph (5 km/h). As
soon as speed falls below approximately
2 mph (3 km/h), the restriction becomes
inactive.
When the restriction is active, certain entries
cannot be made. This will be indicated by the
fact that certain menu items are grayed out
and cannot be selected.
The following functions, for example, may
therefore not be available while the vehicle is
in motion:
R entering the destination city and street
R entering a destination via the map
Rentering points of interest in the vicinity of
a city or via a name search
R editing entries
R using the number keypad for direct entry
Switching to navigation modeXPress the S function button once or
twice.
or
XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding ZV and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.
In both cases, you will see the map either
with or without the menu shown.
Map showing the menu; route guidance inactive
:Current vehicle position
Map without the menu; route guidance inactive
:Current vehicle position;Map orientation selected=Map scale selected
" Route guidance active" means that you have
entered a destination and that COMAND has
calculated the route. The display then shows
Navigation151COMANDZ

XSelect Cancel Route Guidance and press
W to confirm.
Continuing route guidance
XTo activate navigation mode: press the
S function button once or twice.XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.XSelect Destination in the navigation
system menu bar by turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.XSelect Continue Route Guidance and
press W to confirm.
COMAND calculates the route.
Destination or area of destination
reached
When you reach your destination, COMAND
displays a checkered flag and route guidance
is automatically ended.
For certain points of interest (e.g. airports),
the Destination Reached display is shown
as well as the checkered flag.
Navigation announcements
Repeating navigation announcements
GWARNING
Navigation announcements are intended to
direct you while driving without diverting your
attention from the road and driving.
Please always use this feature instead of
consulting the map display for directions.
Looking at the icons or map display can
distract you from traffic conditions and
driving, and increase the risk of an accident.
i Audible navigation announcements are
muted during a telephone call.
If you have missed an announcement, you can
call up the current announcement at any
time.
XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.XIn the navigation menu bar, confirm RPT
with W.
Switching navigation announcements
on/off
XTo switch off: during the announcement,
press the 8 button on the multifunction
steering wheel.
You will briefly see the message: The
driving instructions have been
muted .XTo switch on: press W the COMAND
controller.XIn the + navigation menu bar, press W
to confirm.
i COMAND automatically switches the
navigation announcements back on when:
R you have a new route calculated.
R you start the engine again after having
left the vehicle.
Reducing volume during a navigation
announcement
The volume of an active audio or video source
can be automatically reduced during a
navigation announcement.
XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding ZV and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Audio Fadeout and press W to
confirm.
The function is switched on O or off ª,
depending on the previous status.
Setting the volume manually
XSet the volume during a navigation
announcement.
or
XIn the map display when the menu is
shown, select + and adjust the volume.170NavigationCOMAND

Off-road during route guidance
Due to roadworks, for example, there may be
differences between the data on the digital
map and the actual course of the road.
In such cases, the system will temporarily be
unable to locate the vehicle position on the
digital map and thus considers the vehicle to
be in an off-road position.
In the display, you will see the Street
unknown message, an arrow and the distance
to the destination. The arrow shows the
compass heading to the last road you were
driving on.
As soon as the system can assign the vehicle
position to the map again, route guidance
continues in the usual way.
Route guidance on roads that are not
completely digitalized
COMAND attempts to avoid roads that have
not been completely digitalized. If the
vehicle's position or the destination is located
in an area that has not been completely
digitalized, then no active route guidance is
performed. Instead, the map shows a dashed
route along the roads and the target direction
is shown with an arrow. You hear the
announcement: "You will enter an area,
where turn-by-turn guidance can not be
provided. Please follow the arrow on the
display". Once these roads have been left,
regular route guidance is resumed.
Traffic reports
Prerequisite
i The SatRadio mode described below
requires optional satellite radio equipment
and a subscription to SIRIUS XM Satellite
Radio Traffic Message Service. Further
details on SatRadio are available in the
"SatRadio" section ( Y page 216).
COMAND can receive traffic reports via
SatRadio and incorporate them in the
navigation system. Traffic messages and map
symbols can then be shown in the COMAND
display.
COMAND uses high quality traffic data.
Nevertheless, there may be differences
between the traffic reports received and the
actual road and traffic conditions.
Switching traffic reports on/offXTo switch on: set the route type to
Dynamic Route 7
(Y page 152).XTo switch off: select the Fast Route or
Short Route route type (Y page 152).
i
COMAND calculates a new route if you
change the route type setting with route
guidance active. If you change the route
type setting when route guidance is
inactive, COMAND uses the new setting for
the next route guidance.
Real-time traffic reports on the map
COMAND can show certain traffic incidents
on the map. The incidents are shown on the
map at a scale from 1/16 mi to 20 mi.
XSet the map scale ( Y page 182).12Icon display for the section of route
affected3Icon for incident on the route4Current position and direction of travel5Map scale7 Traffic reports are not available in all countries.174NavigationCOMAND

:Hills;Buildings=Important buildings
Showing the map data version
XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding ZV and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Map Version and press W to
confirm.
The map data version number is shown.
Information about new versions of the
digital map can be obtained from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Traffic information on the map
If you subscribe to the SIRIUS XM Satellite
Radio Traffic Message Service, traffic
information can be displayed on the map. You
can select three categories for the display.
XTo switch the displays on/off: press W
the COMAND controller to show the menu.XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding ZV and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Traffic Information On Map and
press W to confirm.XSelect a category and press W to confirm.
Depending on the previous state, switch
the option on O or off ª.
R
Traffic incidents
Road sections are illustrated with a yellow
line and arrows.
Warning messages or traffic incidents are
represented on the map by appropriate
symbols and/or yellow/red arrows.
Explanation of symbols ( Y page 174).
R Speed & Flow
Road sections are represented by yellow or
red car icons.
Green arrows: free-flowing traffic
Yellow car icons: congested traffic, average
speed 25 - 45 mph
Red car icons: traffic jam, average speed 5
– 20 mph
R Free Flow
Road sections are illustrated with a green
line and arrows.
Additional settings
Freeway information
When driving on highways, you can have the
nearest gas stations, rest areas, etc., as well
as your current distance from them, shown
on the right-hand side of the display.
XTo activate navigation mode: press the
S function button once or twice.XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.Navigation187COMANDZ

Switching to video AUX modeXSelect Video in the main function bar by
sliding ZV and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.
If video AUX mode was the last mode
selected, it will now be active.
If another video source is switched on, you
can now switch to video AUX mode in the
video menu.XSelect Video and press W to confirm.XSelect AUX and press W to confirm.
The video AUX menu appears. You will hear
and see the content of the external video
source if it is connected and switched to
playback.
For details on how to operate the external
video source, see the respective device's
operating instructions.
Showing/hiding the menu
XTo show: press W the COMAND
controller.XTo hide: slide ZV the COMAND controller
and confirm Full screen by pressing W.
Volume and sound settings
You will find details on volume ( Y page 134)
and sound ( Y page 135) settings in the "At a
glance" section.
GWARNING
External video sources may have different
volumes, which can mean that system
messages such as traffic announcements and
navigation system announcements are much
louder. If necessary, please deactivate the
system messages or adjust their volume
manually.
i In some cases, the volume of the AUX
device may be quieter or louder, or the
usual maximum possible volume cannot be
reached. On some devices, it is possible to
adjust the volume separately. In this case,
start at a medium volume and increase it
gradually. This enables you to determine
whether the system is able to play the
music at high volume without distorting it.
Rear Seat Entertainment System
General information
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The RSE CD/DVD player is a Class 1 laser
product. There is a danger of invisible laser
radiation when you open or damage the cover.
Do not remove the cover. The RSE CD/DVD
player does not contain any parts which can
be serviced by the user. For safety reasons,
have any necessary service work performed
by qualified personnel.
GWARNING
The driver should not wear a Rear Seat
Entertainment headset while operating the
vehicle under any circumstances. The use of
a headset while driving the vehicle could
drastically impair the ability to react to audible
traffic conditions (e.g. emergency sirens from
police/fire/ambulance, another car's horn,
etc.).
GWARNING
When not in use, headsets or external video
sources should be stored in a safe location
(e.g. one of the vehicle's storage
compartments) so that they are not loose
within the passenger compartment during
braking, vehicle maneuvers or a traffic
accident. Objects moving within the
passenger compartment could cause serious
personal injury to vehicle occupants.
GWARNING
Due to a potential choking hazard, wired
headset usage by children should only occur
with adult supervision.
246Rear Seat Entertainment SystemCOMAND

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 31).
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
Information about driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border again.
Light switch
Operation
Depending on the date of manufacture of your
vehicle, the c or à symbol for the
automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps is located on the light switch.
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3$Lights off/daytime running lamps4cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting6 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps7NFront fog lamps 118
RRear fog lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 279).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
11 Only vehicles with Bi-Xenon headlamps without the Intelligent Light System are equipped with front fog lamps.276Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Windows fogged up on the outsideXSwitch on the windshield wipers.XActivate automatic climate control.
iYou should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ¤ rocker switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ rocker
switch lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
The rear window defroster has deactivated
itself prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the g rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch lights up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. The indicator lamp in the
g rocker switch is not lit when
automatic air-recirculation mode is
activated.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
X To deactivate: press the g rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch goes out.
i Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes if
outside temperatures are less than about
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes if outside
temperatures are over about
41 ‡ (5 †)
Operating the climate control system297Climate controlZ

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 31).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
R If possible, drive in drive program E (in AMG
vehicles in drive program C) for the first
1000 miles (1500 km).
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) in the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).
R only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4500 rpm briefly.
R change gear in good time.
i You should also observe these notes on
running in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
302DrivingDriving and parking