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

XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.XPress button ; for the right-hand exterior
mirror or button = for the left-hand
exterior mirror.
The indicator lamp lights up in the button
that has been pressed.XPress adjustment button : up, down, to
the right or to the left until the exterior
mirror is set to a position that provides you
with a good overview of traffic conditions.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
electrically
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.XBriefly press button :.
Both exterior mirrors fold in or out.
i Make sure that the exterior mirrors are
always folded out fully while the vehicle is
in motion, as they may otherwise vibrate.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
automatically
When the "Automatic mirror folding" function
is activated in COMAND ( Y page 262):
R the exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
R the exterior mirrors fold out again
automatically as soon as you unlock the
vehicle and then open the driver's or front-
passenger door.
i The mirrors do not fold out if they have
been folded in manually.
Exterior mirror out of position
If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows:
XPress the mirror-folding button
( Y page 112) repeatedly until you hear the
mirrors engage in position.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
( Y page 111).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
GWARNING
If incident light from headlamps is prevented
from striking the sensor in the rear-view
mirror, for instance, by luggage piled too high
in the vehicle, the mirror's automatic anti-
glare function will not operate.
Incident light could then blind you. This may
distract you from the traffic conditions and,
as a result, you may cause an accident.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the ignition is switched on and
incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting
is switched on.
112MirrorsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

change accordingly. If the selected language
is not supported by the Voice Control System,
"English" will be selected.XSelect Vehicle by turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.XSelect System and press W to confirm.XSelect Language and press W to confirm.
The list of languages appears. The # dot
indicates the current setting.XSelect the language by turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.
COMAND loads the selected language and
sets it.
Reset function
You can reset COMAND to the factory
settings. Amongst other things, this will
delete all personal data (e.g. station presets,
address book entries, entries in the
destination memory and in the list of previous
destinations in the navigation system).
Resetting is recommended before selling or
transferring ownership of your vehicle, for
example.
XSelect Vehicle in the main function bar by
turning cVd the COMAND controller and
press W to confirm.XSelect System by turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.XSelect Reset and press W to confirm.
A prompt appears asking whether you wish
to reset.XSelect Yes or No and press W to confirm.
If you select No, the process will be aborted.
If you select Yes, another prompt appears
asking whether you really wish to reset.XSelect Yes or No and press W to confirm.
If you select Yes, a message will be shown.
COMAND is reset and restarted.If you select No, the process will be aborted.
Navigation
Introduction
Safety notes
GWARNING
For safety reasons, only enter a destination
when the vehicle is stationary. When the
vehicle is in motion, a passenger should enter
the destination. Study manual and select
route before driving.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
COMAND calculates the route to the
destination without taking account of the
following:
R Traffic lights
R Stop and right-of-way-signs
R Lane merging
R Parking or stopping prohibited areas
R Other road and traffic rules and regulations
R Narrow bridges
GWARNING
COMAND may give incorrect navigation
commands if the data in the digital map does
not correspond with the actual road/traffic
situation. Digital maps do not cover all areas
nor all routes within an area. For example, if
the traffic routing has been changed or the
direction of a one-way road has been
reversed.
For this reason, you must always observe
applicable road and traffic rules and
regulations during your journey. Road and
traffic rules and regulations always have
priority over the navigation commands
generated by the system.
150NavigationCOMAND

Route guidance
General notesGWARNING
COMAND calculates the route to the
destination without taking into account the
following, for example:
R Traffic lights
R Stop and right-of-way signs
R Lane merging
R Parking or stopping prohibited areas
R Other road and traffic rules and regulations
R Narrow bridges
COMAND may give incorrect navigation
commands if the data in the digital map does
not correspond with the actual road/ traffic
situation. For example, if the traffic routing
has been changed or the direction of a one-
way road has been reversed.
For this reason, you must always observe
applicable road and traffic rules and
regulations during your journey. Road and
traffic rules and regulations always have
priority over the navigation commands
generated by the system.
Route guidance begins once a route has been
calculated ( Y page 156).
COMAND guides you to your destination by
means of navigation commands in the form
of audible navigation announcements and
route guidance displays.
The route guidance displays can only be seen
if the display is switched to navigation mode.
If you do not follow the navigation
announcements or if you leave the calculated
route, COMAND automatically calculates a
new route to the destination.
If the digital map contains the corresponding
information, the following applies:
R when selecting a route, COMAND tries to
avoid roads that only have limited access,
e.g. roads closed to through traffic and non-
residents.
R roads that have time restrictions (e.g.
closed on Sundays and public holidays) are
avoided for route guidance.
Change of direction
Introduction
Changes of direction have three phases:
R preparation phase
R announcement phase
R change-of-direction phase
Preparation phase
COMAND prepares you for the upcoming
change of direction. Based on the example
display below, the change of direction is
announced with a message. You see the full-
screen map.
Example display: preparation phase
:Next road;Route=Current vehicle position (the tip of the
triangle indicates the vehicle’s direction
of travel)?Current road
The display in ? depends on the setting
selected under "Text information on the map"
( Y page 185).
Announcement phase
COMAND announces the imminent change of
direction. With reference to the following
example display, the announcement is given
166NavigationCOMAND

You can install new map software yourself
which, depending on the scope, may consist
of one or more DVDs.
The installation process can take between
10 and 120 minutes, depending on the scope
of the map software. If the radio is switched
on before you start the installation process,
you can still adjust the volume. You can also
use COMAND to operate automatic climate
control and to cancel the process. Other
functions are not operational. If possible,
carry out the installation when the vehicle is
stationary. The DVD read speed is higher
when the vehicle is stationary than when it is
in motion, so less time is required. If the
starter battery is not sufficiently charged,
COMAND may end the process automatically
in order to protect the battery. Therefore, let
the engine idle during the installation
process.GWARNING
Never leave the engine running in enclosed
spaces. The exhaust gases contain toxic
carbon monoxide. Breathing in exhaust fumes
is a health hazard and can lead to
unconsciousness or death.
Displaying information on the map
version currently in use
XTo activate navigation mode: press the
S function button once or twice.XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding VÆ and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Map Version and press W to
confirm.
Notes on handling DVDs
R Only hold DVDs by the edge.
R Handle DVDs carefully to prevent reading
errors.
R Avoid getting scratches, fingerprints and
dust on DVDs.
R Use a commercially-available cleaning
cloth to clean discs. When cleaning CDs,
you should wipe in straight lines from the
center outwards rather than in a circular
motion.
R Place DVDs back in their cases after use.
R Protect DVDs from heat and direct sunlight.
Map software copy protection
Map software for COMAND is subject to a
charge. The map software has just one
activation code which is usable in one vehicle
only, and is not transferable. You can obtain
the six-digit activation code from your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. If you
have lost the activation code, or if COMAND
does not accept the activation code that you
have received, contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Your vehicle is supplied with map software at
the factory. Depending on the country, map
software for your region is either pre-installed
(Europe/USA) or the map software is
supplied as a DVD (all other countries). You
do not require an activation code for the map
software that is provided with your vehicle.
If the map software on your vehicle has been
installed at the factory and you wish to
reinstall it, this also does not necessitate
entry of the activation code.
Installation processXLoad the map software DVD in the DVD
drive ( Y page 220).
COMAND checks the DVD and shows a
corresponding message in the display.
Map software is not compatible with the
navigation system
You will see a message that the map software
cannot be installed.
XTo confirm the message: press W.
COMAND ejects the DVD.XTake the DVD out of the slot.XInsert a DVD which is compatible with the
vehicle’s navigation system.Navigation189COMANDZ

XSelect Settings using the : button
and confirm with the 9 button.XSelect Language using the 9:
buttons and press the 9 button to confirm.
The list of languages appears. The # dot
indicates the current setting.XSelect a language using the 9:
buttons and press the 9 button to confirm.
The Rear Seat Entertainment System
activates the respective language.
Switching the display design
XSelect Settings using the : button
and confirm with the 9 button.XSelect Day Mode , Night Mode or
Automatic using the 9: buttons
and press the 9 button to confirm.
The ä icon indicates the current setting.DesignExplanationDay ModeThe display is set
permanently to day
design.Night ModeThe display is set
permanently to night
design.AutomaticThe display design
changes depending on
the vehicle instrument
cluster illumination.Setting the brightnessXSelect Settings using the : button
and confirm with the 9 button.XSelect Brightness using the 9:
buttons and press the 9 button to confirm.
A scale appears.XAdjust the brightness using the 9:
buttons and press the 9 button to confirm.
The brightness bar moves up or down. The
picture becomes lighter or darker in
accordance with the scale.
Showing/hiding the picture
XTo hide the picture: select Display OFF
in the system menu using the :;
buttons on the remote control and press
the 9 button to confirm.
The picture is hidden.XTo display the picture: press the 9
button.
Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode
Safety note
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.
General notes
You will find information on the following
topics in the Audio section:
R notes on CDs/DVDs ( Y page 229)
R notes on MP3 mode ( Y page 228)
R notes on copyright ( Y page 229)
250Rear 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

XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press
the light switch in to the stop.
Low-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The T indicator lamp on the light switch
lights up.XTo switch off the low-beam
headlamps: turn the light switch to $.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The daytime running lamps function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
activated, the T indicator lamp on the
light switch lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary or if the electronic parking brake is
applied: if you move the selector lever from a
drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps are switched on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.XTo activate the daytime running
lamps: activate the daytime running lamps
function in the on-board computer
( Y page 385).XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
activated, the T indicator lamp on the
light switch lights up.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 12
or the parking lamps and
low-beam headlamps are switched on or off
automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the T indicator lamp on
the light switch lights up.GWARNING
If the light switch is set to c, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
12
Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting277Lights and windshield wipersZ

The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.GWARNING
When it is dark or foggy, turn the light switch
quickly from c to L . Otherwise, the
headlamps could switch off temporarily and
you could cause an accident.
Front fog lamps
GWARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
GWARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position c to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from c to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . If the
light switch is set to c, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.XPull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the light switch in as far as it will go.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.Rear fog lampXTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T
(vehicles with front fog lamps), or turn the
light switch to L (vehicles without front
fog lamps). If the light switch is set to
c , you cannot switch on the rear fog
lamp.XTurn the light switch to L. If the light
switch is set to T, you cannot switch on
the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the second stop
(vehicles with front fog lamps) or pull it out
to the stop (vehicles without front fog
lamps).
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 285). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
278Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Combination switch
Turn signals:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High-beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.High-beam flasherXTo switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.XPull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down severely from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and comes
to a halt.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamps are deactivated
automatically if the vehicle returns to a speed
of over 6 mph(10 km/h) after a full
application of the brakes.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Exterior lighting279Lights and windshield wipersZ

the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
When you drive slower than approximately
30 mph (45 km/h) or if other road users
are identified or if the roads are sufficiently
illuminated:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.GWARNING
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
:p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off;u Switches the rear interior lighting
on/off=c Switches the front interior lighting
on/off?| Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/offAp Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/offInterior lighting281Lights and windshield wipersZ