MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2012 W221 Owner's Guide

Radio-controlled devices
(installing) .......................................... 454
Read-aloud function .......................... 174
Reading lamp ..................................... 281
Real-time traffic reports ................... 174
Rear compartment Activating/deactivating climate
control ........................................... 292
Setting the air distribution .............295
Setting the airflow .........................295
Setting the air vents ......................299
Setting the temperature ................294
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 402
Switching on/off ........................... 278
Rear seat
Adjusting ....................................... 104
Rear Seat Entertainment System
Adjusting the sound settings .........248
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........250
AUX mode ...................................... 258
Changing batteries (remote
control, headphones) .....................247
Changing the picture format ..........249
Components/overview ..................138
Headphones (cordless) ..................142
Multiple users ................................ 248
Overview of picture settings ..........249
Remote control .............................. 140
Screen ........................................... 139
Setting the audio format ................258
System settings ............................. 249
Using headphones .........................248
Using the main loudspeaker ..........248
Video DVD mode ........................... 254
Rear seats
Overview .......................................... 42
Rear view camera
Cleaning instructions .....................467
Function/notes ............................. 354
Rear-view mirror ............................... 112
Rear window blind ............................ 439
see Rear window roller sunblind
see Roller sunblind
Rear window defroster
Problem (malfunction) ...................297
Rear window heating
Switching on/off ........................... 297Redialing (telephone) ........................ 200
Refueling Fuel gauge ....................................... 35
Important safety notes ..................317
Refueling process ..........................319
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................450
Remote operation
Selecting a screen (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................140
Switching a screen on/off (Rear
Seat Entertainment System) ..........140
Reporting
Malfunctions relevant to safety ........ 31
Reserve (fuel tank)
see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 407
Warning lamp ................................. 428
see Fuel
Reset function ................................... 150
Resetting (factory settings) ............. 150
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 298
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Reversing lamps (display
message) ............................................ 403
Road map see Map
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 29
Roller blind see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ..................................... 97
Rear side windows ...........................93
Rear window .................................. 439
Rear window (COMAND) ................261
Roller sunblind of the panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel Operating (front roller sunblind) ....... 98
Operating (rear roller sunblind) ........98
Roof carrier ........................................ 436
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 469Index19

Roof load (maximum) ........................ 530
Route see Route guidance (navigation)
Route (navigation)
Displaying the distance to the
destination ..................................... 172
Route overview .............................. 172
Selecting an alternative route ........171
Setting route options (avoiding:
highways, toll roads, tunnels,
ferries) ........................................... 152
Setting the route type (short
route, fast route, dynamic route or
economic route) ............................ 152
Starting calculation ........................156
Route guidance
Canceling ....................................... 169
Continuing ..................................... 169
Destination reached ......................170
Lane recommendations .................167
Off-road ......................................... 173
Traffic reports ................................ 174
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 377
Route guidance (on-board
computer) .......................................... 377
Route information see Dynamic route guidance/TMC
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................62
Child restraint systems ....................62
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 50
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 44
Safety notes
Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode .....220
Operating safety ............................ 116
Video DVD mode ........................... 240
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
SatRadio ............................................. 216
Displaying information ...................220
Registering .................................... 217
Selecting a category ......................218
Screen
Selecting for remote control (Rear
Seat Entertainment System) ..........140
Switching on/off (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................126
see Display
SD memory card
Loading .......................................... 221
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................60
Adjusting the height ......................... 60
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........62
Belt force limiters ............................ 61
Cleaning ......................................... 469
Correct usage .................................. 58
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 61
Fastening ......................................... 59
Important safety guidelines .............57
Releasing ......................................... 60
Safety guidelines ............................. 45
Special seat belt retractor ...............64
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................386
Warning lamp ................................. 420
Warning lamp (function) ................... 61
Seats
Active multicontour seat ........ 108, 272
Adjusting (electrically) ...................104
Adjusting (rear compartment) ........104
Adjusting lumbar support ..............108
Adjusting the head restraint ..........106
Cleaning the cover .........................469
Correct driver's seat position ........102
Important safety notes ..................103
Multicontour seat .......................... 108
Seat heating problem ....................109
Seat ventilation problem ................109
Selecting (COMAND) .....................270
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 113
Switching seat heating on/off .......108
Switching seat ventilation on/off ..109
Selecting stations (radio)
Using station presets .....................212
Using station search ......................212
Sending DTMF tones ......................... 203
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 46720Index

Servicesee ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........462
Hiding service messages ...............462
Notes ............................................. 462
Service messages ..........................462
Service menu (on-board computer) . 385
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 528
Capacities ...................................... 524
Coolant (engine) ............................ 529
DEF special additives .....................527
Engine oil ....................................... 527
Fuel ................................................ 525
Important safety notes ..................522
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 528
Washer fluid ................................... 529
Setting a station (radio)
Via manual frequency entry ...........212
Settings
Display ........................................... 143
Menu overview .............................. 121
On-board computer .......................385
Picture (COMAND) .........................240
Picture (Rear Seat Entertainment
System) ......................................... 249
Sound settings ............................... 135
System settings ............................. 143
Setting the language
COMAND ....................................... 149
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...258
Setting the night design ................... 143
Setting the text reader speed .......... 145
Setting the vehicle level ................... 345
Setting the volume Telephone calls .............................. 134
Video AUX ..................................... 246
Side impact air bag ............................. 48
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 403
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............94
Convenience opening feature ..........93
Important safety information ...........92
Opening/closing .............................. 93Problem (malfunction) .....................95
Resetting ......................................... 95
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................95
Opening/closing .............................. 96
Problem (malfunction) ...................100
Resetting ......................................... 97
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................82
Changing the programming .............81
Checking the battery .......................82
Convenience closing feature ............94
Convenience opening feature ..........93
Display message ............................ 419
Door central locking/unlocking .......78
Important safety notes ....................78
Loss ................................................. 84
Mechanical key ................................ 81
Positions (ignition lock) .................303
Problem (malfunction) .....................84
Starting the engine ........................305
SMS message
see Text message
Snow chains ...................................... 493
Socket Glove box ....................................... 442
Sockets
Points to observe before use .........441
Rear compartment .........................442
Trunk ............................................. 442
Sound menu ....................................... 135
Sounds see Sound settings
Sound settings
Balance and fader ..........................135
Calling up the sound menu ............135
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...248
Surround sound ............................. 136
Treble and bass ............................. 135
Spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 472
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 31
Speech control see Voice Control System Index21

Speed, controllingsee Cruise control
Speed Limit Assist
see Speed Limit Assist
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the
additional speedometer .................386
Digital ............................................ 376
In the Instrument cluster .................35
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 386
see Instrument cluster
SPLITVIEW ......................................... 122
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 397
Introduction ..................................... 44
Warning lamp ................................. 426
Warning lamp (function) ................... 44
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 402
Switching on/off ........................... 276
Starting (engine) ................................ 304
Station memory ................................. 213
Steering (display message) .............. 418
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................110
Button overview ............................... 37
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 373
Important safety notes ..................109
Paddle shifters ............................... 314
Steering wheel heating ..................110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 113
Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 468
Steering wheel heating Switching on/off ........................... 110
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 314
Stop function Audio DVD ..................................... 223
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...255
Video DVD ..................................... 243
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 380
Storing stations Manually ........................................ 213Storing stations (radio)
Automatically ................................. 213
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................. 433
Cup holders ................................... 437
Door ............................................... 433
Eyeglasses compartment ...............433
Glove box ....................................... 432
Important safety information .........432
Parcel net ...................................... 435
Rear ............................................... 434
Rear seat backrest ......................... 434
Rear seats (between) .....................434
Stowage well ..................................... 436
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 436
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 492
Sun visor ............................................ 438
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround sound
see 3D sound (Harman Kardon ®
surround sound system)
Surround sound (harman/
kardon ®
surround sound system)
Notes ............................................. 136
Switching on/off ........................... 136
Suspension tuning
Active Body Control .......................346
AIRMATIC ...................................... 344
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 297
Switching between picture
formats (TV, video) ............................ 240
Switching between summer time
and standard time ............................. 144
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 75
Switching the hands-free
microphone on/off ............................ 201
Switching wavebands (radio) ........... 212
System settings
Bluetooth ®
..................................... 147
Date ............................................... 144
Language ....................................... 14922Index

Programmable button (COMAND) ..120
Text reader speed ..........................145
Time ............................................... 144
Time zone ...................................... 144
Voice Control System ....................145
T
Tachometer ........................................ 373
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 402
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 35
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 520
Tires/wheels ................................. 514
Vehicle data ................................... 530
TELEAID
Automatic retrieval of vehicle data
(service due date) ..........................449
Call priority .................................... 447
Display message ............................ 396
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 447
Emergency call .............................. 444
Important safety notes ..................443
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............450
MB info call button ........................446
Remote vehicle locking ..................449
Roadside Assistance button ..........445
Search & Send ............................... 448
Self-test ......................................... 444
System .......................................... 443
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............449
Telephone
Accepting/ending a call ................199
Accepting a call ............................. 382
Adjusting the volume for calls .......134
Basic menu (Bluetooth ®
interface) ....................................... 198
Calling (outgoing call) ....................200
Calling voicemail ............................ 201
Conference connection .................. 201
Connecting a mobile phone
(general information) .....................195
De-authorizing a mobile phone ......198
Ending an active call ......................201
Entering a number .........................200
External authorization
(Bluetooth ®
) ................................... 197
Function restrictions ......................194
General notes ................................ 193
Keypad ........................................... 120
Menu (on-board computer) ............382
Number from the phone book ........ 383
Operating options ..........................194
Overview of functions ....................201
Reception and transmission
volume ........................................... 199
Redialing ................................ 200, 383
Rejecting/ending a call .................382
Rejecting a call .............................. 199
Rejecting or accepting a waiting
call ................................................. 201
Safety notes .................................. 193
Sending DTMF tones ...................... 203
Switching hands-free microphone
on/off ............................................ 201
Toggling ......................................... 201
Using the telephone ....................... 199
see Bluetooth ®

see Call lists
Television
see TV
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 372
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 379
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 379
Outside temperature ...................... 373
Setting (climate control) ................294
Setting (COMAND) .........................265
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 75
Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Time
Setting summer/standard time .....144
Setting the format .........................144
Setting the time ............................. 144
Setting the time/date format ........144
Setting the time zone ..................... 144
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 380Index23

Tiredness assistantsee ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....497
Checking manually ........................497
Display message ............................ 415
Maximum ....................................... 496
Notes ............................................. 495
Recommended ............................... 493
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 497
Restarting ...................................... 499
Warning lamp ................................. 429
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................512
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................511
Bar (definition) ............................... 510
Characteristics .............................. 510
Checking ........................................ 491
Definition of terms .........................510
Direction of rotation ......................514
Display message ............................ 415
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................513
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 509
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............510
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 511
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 511
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................511
Important safety notes ..................490
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......511
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........512
Labeling (overview) ........................506
Load bearing index (definition) ......513
Load index ..................................... 509
Load index (definition) ...................512
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 511
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 512Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 512
Maximum tire load .........................504
Maximum tire load (definition) .......512
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 512
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 512
Replacing ....................................... 513
Service life ..................................... 491
Sidewall (definition) .......................512
Speed rating (definition) ................511
Storing ........................................... 514
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 510
Temperature .................................. 506
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 513
Tire bead (definition) ......................512
Tire pressure (definition) ................512
Tire pressures (recommended) ......511
Tire size (data) ............................... 514
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 507
Tire tread ....................................... 491
Tire tread (definition) .....................512
Total load limit (definition) .............513
Traction ......................................... 505
Traction (definition) .......................513
Tread wear ..................................... 505
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 505
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................511
Unladen weight (definition) ............512
Wear indicator (definition) .............513
Wheel rim (definition) ....................511
see Flat tire
Tonal properties
see Sound settings
Top Tether ............................................ 65
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........483
Installing the towing eye ................483
Removing the towing eye ...............484
With the rear axle raised ................484
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......48424Index

Tow-startingEmergency engine starting ............485
Important safety notes ..................483
Track
Selecting (CD, DVD, MP3) .............. 224
Traffic Announcements (TA)
Switching off .................................. 134
Traffic jam function ........................... 171
Traffic jam message see Dynamic route guidance/TMC
Traffic reports
Real-time traffic report ..................177
Switching on/off ........................... 174
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 485
Treble, adjusting (sound) .................. 135
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 468
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 376
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 376
Resetting (on-board computer) ......377
Trunk
Emergency release ....................91, 92
Important safety guidelines .............88
Limiting the opening angle ............. 265
Locking separately ...........................91
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 90
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 90
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 418
Opening/closing .............................. 88
Power closing feature ......................87
Trunk lid opening height
restriction .......................................... 265
Turn signals Display message ............................ 401
Switching on/off ........................... 279
TV
Automatic picture shutoff ..............240
Picture settings .............................. 240Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................87
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 86
USB
see Media Interface
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 438
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 31
Data acquisition ............................... 32
Display message ............................ 417
Equipment ....................................... 28
Individual settings ..........................385
Limited Warranty ............................. 32
Loading .......................................... 500
Locking (in an emergency) ...............88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 79
Lowering ........................................ 477
Maintenance .................................... 29
Parking for a long period ................ 325
Pulling away ................................... 305
Raising ........................................... 474
Reporting problems .........................31
Towing away .................................. 483
Transporting .................................. 485
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........87
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................79
Vehicle data ................................... 530
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 530
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 530
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 88
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 521
Index25

Vehicle levelActive Body Control (ABC) .............345
AIRMATIC ...................................... 343
Display message ............................ 410
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 409
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 472
Video see Video DVD
Video AUX
Setting the picture .........................240
Video DVD
Automatic picture shutoff ..............240
DVD menu ..................................... 244
Fast forward/rewind ...................... 242
Function restrictions ......................241
Interactive content ........................245
Notes on discs ............................... 240
Operation ....................................... 240
Operation using the on-board
computer ....................................... 379
Pause function ............................... 243
Playing conditions .......................... 241
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...254
Safety notes .................................. 240
Selecting ........................................ 242
Selecting a film/title ...................... 243
Selecting a scene/chapter ............243
Setting the audio format ................245
Setting the language ......................245
Setting the picture .........................240
Showing/hiding the control menu . 241
Showing/hiding the menu .............242
Stop function ................................. 243
Subtitles ........................................ 245
Switching to ................................... 241
VIN ...................................................... 521
Voice Control System Settings ......................................... 145
Volume, adjusting
COMAND ....................................... 134
Headphones .................................. 142
Navigation messages .....................134
Using the remote control (Rear
Seat Entertainment System) ..........140W
Waiting call ........................................ 201
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 423
Brakes ........................................... 422
Check Engine ................................. 427
Cruise control ................................ 331
Distance warning ........................... 428
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 428
ESP ®
.............................................. 424
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 425
Fuel tank ........................................ 428
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................335
Overview .......................................... 36
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 50
Reserve fuel ................................... 428
Seat belt ........................................ 420
SRS ................................................ 426
Tire pressure monitor ....................429
Warranty ............................................ 521
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 418
see Windshield washer system
Weather Band
Searching for a channel .................214
Switching on .................................. 214
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 477
Wheel chock ...................................... 474
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 473
Checking ........................................ 491
Cleaning ......................................... 465
Important safety notes ..................490
Interchanging/changing ................513
Mounting a wheel .......................... 476
Removing a wheel ..........................476
Storing ........................................... 514
Tightening torque ........................... 477
Wheel size/tire size .......................514
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 398
Operation ......................................... 49
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 466
see Side windows 26Index

WindshieldDefrosting ...................................... 296
Infrared reflective .......................... 454
Windshield washer system .............. 461
Notes ............................................. 529
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................286
Replacing the wiper blades ............285
Switching on/off ........................... 285
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................492
Slippery road surfaces ...................330
Snow chains .................................. 493
Winter operation
Radiator cover ............................... 457
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 492
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 466
Important safety notes ..................285
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 468Index27

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
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. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
28Introduction