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

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

On-board computer and COMANDFunctionPage:% Back or deactivates
the Voice Control System;=; Selects a menu3759: Selects a
function or scrolls through
lists
375
a Confirms selection or
fades out display messages=Multifunction display374?~382Rejects or ends a call382Exits phone book/redial
memory6Makes or accepts a callSwitches to the redial
memoryWX Adjusts the
volume or operates
RACETIMER on AMG
vehicles
380
8 MuteFunctionPageA? Switches on the Voice
Control System; see the
separate operating
instructionsBSwivels the COMAND
display
124
Adjusts the brightness of
the instrument lighting and
the COMAND display
124
CCOMAND display121DCD and DVD player/
changer
220
ECOMAND controller and
COMAND function buttons118, 119On-board computer and COMAND37At a glance

restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or a small adult), the
42 indicator lamp will illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds when the engine
is started and then, depending on occupant
weight sensor readings from the front-
passenger seat, remain illuminated or go out.
With the 42 indicator lamp
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
is deactivated. With the 42
indicator lamp out, the front-passenger front
air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds
when the engine is started and then go out,
indicating that the front-passenger front air
bag is activated.
If the 42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
is deactivated and will not be deployed.
If the 42 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
is activated and will be deployed:
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
R independently of the side impact air bags
If the front-passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by:
R the rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed
by the air bag control unit
R the front passenger's weight category as
identified by OCS
For further information, see "Air bag display
messages" ( Y page 399).GWARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seats whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint system must be
properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt,
the seat belt and Top Tether strap, or lower
anchors and Top Tether strap, fully in
accordance with the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriate sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front-
passenger seat:
R Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
front-passenger front air bag in your vehicle
when the system senses the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child or less along
with the weight of a standard appropriate
child restraint on the front-passenger seat.
R A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front-passenger
front air bag inflates in a collision which
could occur under some circumstances,
even with the air bag technology installed
in your vehicle. The only means to eliminate
this risk completely is never to place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint in the front-
passenger seat. We therefore strongly
recommend that you always place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear
seat.
R If you install a rear-facing child restraint on
the front-passenger seat, make sure theOccupant safety51SafetyZ

Problems with the occupant classification systemProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe 42
indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated.
The person on the
front-passenger seat:
R has the weight of a
typical adult
R has been determined
by the system not to
be a child.The OCS is malfunctioning.XHave the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display ( Y page 399).GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated when the weight of a
typical adult or someone larger than a small individual has been detected on the passenger seat,
the system then determines the occupant cannot be a child. Do not allow any occupant to use
the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe 42
indicator lamp does not
illuminate and/or does
not remain illuminated.
The front-passenger
seat is:
R unoccupied
R occupied with a
weight up to or less
than a typical 12-
month-old child in a
standard child
restraint systemThe OCS is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the
child seat.XCheck the installation of the child restraint system.XMake sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto
the seat.XIf the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate, have
the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front-
passenger seat as long as the OCS is not functioning.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display ( Y page 399).GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less, or is unoccupied, on the front-
passenger seat, do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
54Occupant safetySafety

RADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
GWARNING
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 490).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 69).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
Driving safety systems69SafetyZ

When you deactivate ESP®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.XTo deactivate: (Y page 384).
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
XTo activate: (Y page 384).
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 69).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.GWARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the braking system
remains available with full brake boosting
effect. However, the rear wheels can still lock,
e.g. under full braking. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident. You should therefore adapt your
driving style to the different handling
characteristics.
XObserve the notes on warning and indicator
lamps ( Y page 423) as well as display
messages ( Y page 392).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
( Y page 342) and hill start assist
( Y page 306). For further information, see
Driving tips ( Y page 327).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 69).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision. If PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has detected a
risk of collision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically as well as by automatic
braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a
collision without your intervention.
At speeds above approximately
4 mph (7 km/h), this function warns you
when you are rapidly approaching the vehicle
in front. An intermittent warning tone will
Driving safety systems73SafetyZ

This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The Product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Important notes on the use of KEYLESS-
GO
R The KEYLESS-GO key can be used like a
conventional key.
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional key, e.g.
unlock with KEYLESS-GO and lock with the
& button.
R Always carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
R Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
- electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another key
- metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil.
This can affect the functionality of
KEYLESS-GO.
R When locking and unlocking using
KEYLESS-GO, the distance between the
SmartKey and the corresponding door
handle must not exceed 3 ft (1 m).
R If the vehicle is parked for more than
72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull the outer door handle and
switch on the ignition to reactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key is removed from the
vehicle, it is possible that the system may
not recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
can then not be locked or started using
KEYLESS-GO.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from the vehicle, e.g. if a passenger leaves
the vehicle with a KEYLESS-GO key:
- if the start/stop button is pressed or if
an attempt is made to lock the vehicle
with the locking button on the outer door
handle, the Key Not Detected message
appears in the multifunction display
- when the engine is running, the red Key
Not Detected message appears in the
multifunction display as you pull away.
Find the KEYLESS-GO key and change its
position in the vehicle. Carry the
KEYLESS-GO key in your shirt pocket, for
example.
R If you have started the engine with the
Start/Stop button, you can switch it off
again by:
- pressing the Start/Stop button again
- inserting the KEYLESS-GO key into the
ignition lock if the vehicle is stationary
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
R You could unlock the vehicle by mistake if
the distance between the KEYLESS-GO key
and the vehicle is less than 3 ft (1 m) and:
- an exterior door handle is hit by a water
jet
or
- you clean an exterior door handle.
R Bear in mind that the engine can be started
by any of the vehicle occupants if there is
a KEYLESS-GO key in the vehicle.80SmartKeyOpening/closing

2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.GWARNING
Change or modification not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.
! Note: This equipment has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment
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 Work improperly carried out on electronic
components or systems (e.g. radio, DVD
changer) and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. 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 repairs 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.
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 it at very high
temperatures. The following functions will be
temporarily unavailable:
R Navigation
R Voice Control System
R Address book
R MUSIC REGISTER
Introduction117COMANDZ

ECOMAND: to select a station from
presets, select a track, enter directly,
enter a phone number, for example. Rear
Seat Entertainment System: to select a
track, enter directlyFTo exit a menu (back)XPoint the remote control at the
corresponding screen and execute the
functions by pressing the corresponding
buttons.
i The remote control's function may be
restricted depending on the angle at which
it is pointed at the respective screen.
Selecting the screen for the remote
control
XTurn thumbwheel = until the desired
display is highlighted in the window.
Switching the screen on/off (Rear Seat
Entertainment System only)
If the SmartKey is in the ignition lock in
position 0 or 1 or if the SmartKey is not in the
ignition lock, the rear screens will switch off
after 30 minutes. Before the screens switch
off, they show a message to this effect.
You can switch the screens back on.
However, this will discharge the starter
battery.
XPoint the remote control at the rear-
compartment screen which has been
selected for remote operation.XPress button : on the remote control.
The respective rear screen switches on or
off.
i You can only switch the screens on using
the remote control if the ignition is
switched on.
Switching the button lighting on/off
XPress button ; on the remote control.
Depending on the previous status, the
button lighting is switched on or off.i If you do not use the remote control for
about 15 seconds, the button lighting
switches off automatically.
MuteXPress button B on the remote control.
The sound is switched on/off.
Adjusting the volume
This function is available for SPLITVIEW and
for the Rear Seat Entertainment System in
conjunction with corded headphones.
XPress one of buttons C on the remote
control.
The volume of the currently selected audio
or video source changes.
For COMAND, you can also adjust the
volume for phone calls and navigation
messages.
Selecting a menu/menu item and
confirming your selection
XPress the =;9: buttons to
select the menu/menu item and press the
9 button to confirm.126At a glanceCOMAND

Mute
Switching audio and video sources on/off
XPress the 8 button on the multifunction
steering wheel.
The sound from the respective audio or
video source is switched on or muted.
i When the sound is off, the system
displays the , symbol in the status line.
When you change the audio or video
source, or adjust the volume, sound
automatically switches on again.
i Even if the sound is switched off, you will
still hear traffic and navigation system
announcements.
Switching off Traffic program and
navigation announcements completely
XTraffic program: press the 8 button
until the . message disappears from the
status bar of the display.
A confirmation tone sounds.XNavigation announcements: during an
announcement, press the 8 button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
Switching Traffic program and navigation
announcements on again
XTraffic program: press and hold down the
8 button until the . display appears
in the status bar.
A confirmation tone sounds.XNavigation messages: select the y
symbol in the navigation menu bar and
press W to confirm.
i
The navigation announcements are
activated again if you switch COMAND off
and on again or start a new route guidance.
Adjusting the volume
Adjusting the volume for the audio or
video source
XTo adjust: turn thumbwheel :.
or
XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
The volume of the currently selected audio
or video source changes.
You can also adjust the volume for the
following:
R traffic announcements
R navigation announcements
R phone calls
R Voice Control System (see the separate
operating instructions)
Adjusting the volume for navigation
announcements
During a navigation announcement:
XTurn thumbwheel :.
or
XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
Adjusting the volume for phone calls
You can adjust the volume for hands-free
mode during a telephone call.
XTurn thumbwheel :.
or
XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.134At a glanceCOMAND