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

Locking the vehicle
If the vehicle can no longer be locked with the
SmartKey, you can lock it by taking the
following steps. If the central locking in the
vehicle is malfunctioning, you cannot lock the
trunk.XPress down the locking knobs on the open
rear doors.XClose the rear doors.XOpen the front-passenger door.XClose the driver's door and the trunk lid.XPress down the locking knob of the driver's
door inside the vehicle.XPress down the locking knob of the open
front-passenger door.
i Make sure that you have the SmartKey on
your person and that it has not been left in
the vehicle.
XClose the front-passenger door.XMake sure that the doors and the trunk are
locked.
i If you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-
theft alarm system is not armed.
Trunk
Important safety notes
Do not leave the SmartKey in the trunk. You
could otherwise lock yourself out.
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts.
GWARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or trunk unless they
are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
GWARNING
Make sure the trunk lid is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
88TrunkOpening/closing

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

XMake sure that all the side windows and the
sliding sunroof or panorama roof with
power tilt/sliding panel are closed.XTo interrupt convenience closing:
release recessed sensor surface : on the
door handle.
On vehicles with roller sunblinds:
XTouch the recessed sensor surface on the
door handle again until the roller sunblinds
close.XTo interrupt the roller sunblind closing
procedure: pull the exterior door handle
and hold it firmly.
Resetting the side windows
You must reset each side window if:
R a side window cannot be closed
automatically
R a side window opens again slightly after
being closed manually
XClose all the doors.XTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XPull the corresponding switch on the door
control panel until the side window is
completely closed. ( Y page 93)XHold the switch for an additional second.
If the side window opens again slightly:
XImmediately pull the corresponding switch
on the door control panel until the side
window is completely closed ( Y page 93).XHold the switch for an additional second.XIf the corresponding side window remains
closed after the button has been released,
the side window has been reset correctly.
If this is not the case, repeat the steps
above again.Problems with the side windows
Problem: a side window cannot be closed
because it is blocked by objects, e.g.
leaves in the window guide.XRemove the objects.XClose the side window.
Problem: a side window cannot be closed
and you cannot see the cause.
GWARNING
Closing the side windows with increased force
or without the anti-entrapment feature could
lead to serious or even fatal injury. Make sure
that nobody can become trapped when
closing the side windows.
If a side window is obstructed during closing
and reopens again slightly:
XImmediately after the window blocks, pull
the corresponding switch again until the
side window has closed.
The side window is closed with increased
force.
If a side window is obstructed again during
closing and reopens again slightly:
XImmediately after the window blocks, pull
the corresponding switch again until the
side window has closed.
The side window is closed without the anti-
entrapment feature.GWARNING
Pulling and holding the switch to close the
door window immediately after it had been
blocked two times will cause the door window
to close without the anti-entrapment feature
for as long as you hold the switch.
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes
Your vehicle may be equipped with a sliding
sunroof or a panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel. In the following section, the
Sliding sunroof95Opening/closingZ

term "sliding sunroof" refers to both types of
sliding sunroof.GWARNING
When opening or closing the sliding sunroof,
make sure that there is no danger of anyone
being harmed by the opening/closing
procedure.
The sliding sunroof is equipped with
automatic operation and the anti-entrapment
feature. If the movement of the sliding sunroof
is blocked during the closing procedure, the
sliding sunroof will stop and open slightly.
The sliding sunroof operates differently when
the sliding sunroof switch is pressed and held.
See the "Problems with the sliding sunroof"
section for more details.
The opening/closing procedure of the sliding
sunroof can be immediately halted by
releasing the sliding sunroof switch or, if the
sliding sunroof switch was moved past the
resistance point and released, by moving the
sliding sunroof switch in any direction.
GWARNING
The sliding sunroof is made out of glass. In the
event of an accident, the glass may shatter.
This may result in an opening in the roof.
In a vehicle rollover, occupants not wearing
their seat belts or not wearing them properly
may be thrown out of the opening. Such an
opening also presents a potential for injury for
occupants wearing their seat belts properly,
as entire body parts or portions of them may
protrude from the passenger compartment.
! Only open the sliding sunroof if it is free
of snow and ice. Otherwise, malfunctions
may occur.
Do not allow anything to protrude from the
sliding sunroof. Otherwise, the seals could
be damaged.
! The weather can change abruptly. It could
start to rain or snow. Make sure that the
sliding sunroof is closed when you leave the
vehicle. The vehicle electronics can be
damaged if water enters the vehicle
interior.
i Resonance noises can occur in addition
to the usual airflow noises when the sliding
sunroof is open. They are caused by minor
pressure fluctuations in the vehicle interior.
Change the position of the sliding sunroof
or open a side window slightly to reduce or
eliminate these noises.
Operating the sliding sunroof
Opening and closing
i You can continue to operate the sliding
sunroof after switching off the engine or
removing the SmartKey from the ignition
lock. This function is available for up to five
minutes or until the driver's or front-
passenger door is opened.
Overhead control panel
:To raise;To open=To close/lowerXTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress or pull the 3 switch in the
corresponding direction.
i If you press the 3 switch beyond the
point of resistance, an automatic opening/
closing process is started in the
corresponding direction. You can stop
automatic operation by operating the
switch again.
96Sliding sunroofOpening/closing

panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel
is closed. The front and rear roller sunblinds
can be operated individually.
Operating the front roller sunblindGWARNING
When opening or closing the front roller
sunblind, make sure no one is in danger of
being injured by the opening or closing
procedure.
The front roller sunblind is equipped with
automatic operation and the anti-entrapment
feature. If the movement of the front roller
sunblind is blocked during the closing
procedure, the front roller sunblind will stop
and retract slightly.
The opening or closing of the front roller
sunblind can be immediately halted by
releasing the roof panel switch or, if the roof
panel switch was moved past the resistance
point and released, by moving the roof panel
switch in any direction.
Overhead control panel
:To open;To open=To closeXTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress or pull the 3 switch in the
corresponding direction.
i If you press the 3 switch beyond the
point of resistance, an automatic opening/
closing process is started in the
corresponding direction. You can stop
automatic operation by operating the
switch again.
Operating the rear roller sunblind
Operating from the front
GWARNING
When opening or closing the rear roller
sunblind, make sure no one is in danger of
being injured by the opening or closing
procedure.
The rear roller sunblind is equipped with
automatic operation and the anti-entrapment
feature. If the movement of the rear roller
sunblind is blocked during the closing
procedure, the rear roller sunblind will stop
and retract slightly.
The opening and closing of the rear roller
sunblind can be immediately halted by
pressing the sunblind switch again.
Overhead control panel
XTo open or close: press button :.
The rear roller sunblind opens or closes
fully.XTo stop: press button : again.
i
You must first open or close the rear roller
sunblind fully before you can move it in the
other direction.
Operating from the rear compartment
GWARNING
When opening or closing the rear roller
sunblind, make sure no one is in danger of
98Sliding sunroofOpening/closing

XMake sure that the rear roller sunblind can
be opened fully again ( Y page 98).XIf this is not the case, repeat the steps
above again.
Problems with the sliding sunroof
Your vehicle may be equipped with a sliding
sunroof or a panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel. In the following section, the
term "sliding sunroof" refers to both types of
sliding sunroof.
Problem: the sunroof cannot be closed
and you cannot see the cause.
GWARNING
You could be severely or even fatally injured
when closing the sliding sunroof with
increased closing force or if the anti-
entrapment feature is deactivated. Make sure
that nobody can become trapped when
closing the sliding sunroof.
If the sliding sunroof is obstructed during
closing and reopens again slightly:
XImmediately after the sliding sunroof
blocks, pull the 3 switch in the
overhead control panel down to the point
of resistance and hold it until the sliding
sunroof is closed.
The sliding sunroof is closed with increased
force.
If the sliding sunroof is obstructed again
during closing and reopens again slightly:
XImmediately after the sliding sunroof
blocks, pull the 3 switch in the
overhead control panel down to the point
of resistance and hold it until the sliding
sunroof is closed.
The sliding sunroof is closed without the
anti-entrapment feature.GWARNING
Pressing and holding the sliding sunroof
switch to close the sliding sunroof
immediately after it had been blocked two
times will cause the sliding sunroof to close
without the anti-entrapment feature for as
long as you hold the switch.
! If the sliding sunroof still cannot be
opened or closed as a result of a
malfunction, contact a qualified specialist
workshop.100Sliding sunroofOpening/closing

Seats
Important safety notes
GWARNING
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control, all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be done
before setting the vehicle in motion.
GWARNING
Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never travel in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. This could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer is
in a position that is as upright as possible and
seat belts are properly positioned on the
body.
GWARNING
Your seat belt must be adjusted so that you
can correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level.
R never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWARNING
The electrically adjustable seats can be
operated at any time. Therefore, do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's
unsupervised access to a vehicle could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
GWARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. 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 infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see "Children in the vehicle".
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
GWARNING
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
Seats103Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

You can use the override button to disable
this function ( Y page 67).
The button is located in the rear door on the
front-passenger side.:To select the front-passenger seat or rear-
compartment seat;Seat height=Head restraint height?Backrest angleASeat fore-and-aft adjustmentXTo select the front-passenger seat:
press button :.
The front-passenger seat is selected if the
indicator lamp in the button lights up.XAdjust the front-passenger seat with
buttons ;, = , ? and A.XTo select the rear-compartment seat:
press button :.
The rear-compartment seat is selected
again.
Adjusting the head restraints
Adjusting the head restraint height
electrically
XTo adjust the head restraint height: slide
the switch for head restraint adjustment
( Y page 104) up or down in the direction of
the arrow.Adjusting the NECK-PRO head
restraints
Adjusting
XPull or push the bottom of NECK-PRO head
restraint :.
Resetting
The NECK-PRO head restraints are moved
forwards in the event of a rear collision in the
direction of travel and have to be reset
afterwards ( Y page 56).
Adjusting NECK-PRO luxury head
restraints
Adjusting
GWARNING
When folding back the side cushions, do not
hold the area between the side cushion and
the cushion holder. There is a danger of
becoming trapped.
You can adjust side bolsters : of the NECK-
PRO luxury head restraints individually.
106SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

iIf the battery voltage is too low, the seat
heating may switch off.
The system automatically switches down
from level 3 to level 2 after approximately
eight minutes.
The system automatically switches down
from level 2 to level 1 after approximately ten
minutes.
The system automatically switches off
approximately 20 minutes after it is set to
level 1.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired heating level is set.XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat heating
The seat heating has switched itself off
prematurely. The vehicle's electrical system
voltage is too low because too many electrical
consumers are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Switching the seat ventilation on/off
Switching on/off
The three blue indicator lamps in the buttons
indicate the ventilation level you have
selected.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
ventilation may switch off.XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
i You can open the side windows and the
sliding sunroof using the "Convenience
opening" feature ( Y page 93). The seat
ventilation of the driver's seat
automatically switches to the highest level.
XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat ventilation
The seat ventilation has switched off
prematurely. The vehicle's electrical system
voltage is too low because too many electrical
consumers are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Steering wheel
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
Steering wheel109Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Adjusting the steering wheel
:To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment);To adjust the steering wheel height
i Other topics:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
( Y page 110)
R storing settings ( Y page 113)
R operating the on-board computer
( Y page 373)
Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off
The steering-wheel heating heats the leather
areas of the steering wheel.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XTo switch on/off: turn the lever in the
direction of arrow : or ;.
Indicator lamp = lights up or goes out.
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: when you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock,
the steering wheel heating is deactivated.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: when you switch
off the ignition and open the driver's door, the
steering wheel heating is deactivated.
i The steering wheel heating is deactivated
when the temperature in the vehicle
interior is higher than 86 ‡ (30 †).
i The steering wheel heating is switched off
automatically after about 24 minutes.
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT system
Important safety notes
The EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature makes getting
in and out of your vehicle easier.
You can activate and deactivate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature using COMAND
( Y page 262).
GWARNING
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel and driver's seat when the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature is activated.
110Steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors