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

TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit.GRisk of accident
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 497).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 513).h
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
60 seconds and then
remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is faulty.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least every two weeks when
cold and inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar or, if available, the tire pressure label
on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard or the tire pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately
1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will be repeated every time
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster429On-board computer and displaysZ

the vehicle is started as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels
on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.430Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Useful information ............................432
Loading guidelines ............................432
Stowage areas .................................. 432
Features ............................................. 437431Stowing and features

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).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the gross axle weight rating of the
vehicle (including occupants). The values
are specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the B-pillar of the driver's door.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk as
possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear seat
backrests.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find the following installed in the
glove box: an audio and video AUX jack, a
USB socket or Media Interface, a universal
interface for portable audio equipment, e.g.
for an iPod or USB device, and a bracket for
432Stowage areasStowing and features

a remote control (see the COMAND section
in this Operator's Manual).
i The glove box can be ventilated
( Y page 299).XTo open: press button :.XTo close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
1Glove box unlocked2Glove box locked
Eyeglasses compartment
XTo open: press marking :.
Stowage compartment under the armrest
i The º Roadside Assistance call button
and ( Y page 445) and the E MB Info
call button are located ( Y page 446) in the
stowage compartment under the armrest.
i In the stowage compartment, there is a
partition which can be used to divide up the
stowage compartment.
XTo open: press button : and fold the
armrest to the left or right.
Stowage compartments in the doors
GWARNING
Keep the door storage compartments closed
while vehicle is in motion. Failure to do so may
cause the seat belt to catch at the rear and
prevent proper positioning of the seat belt.
XTo open: pull cover : upwards.Stowage areas433Stowing and featuresZ

Coat hook
The coat hooks are located on the left and
right in the headliner in the rear
compartment.
! Only hang light loads on the coat hooks.
Do not place a load of more than 6.6 lbs
(3 kg) on the coat hooks.XTo open: press coat hook :.
The coat hooks fold out.XTo close: press coat hook : until it
engages.
Stowage compartments in the rear
Stowage compartment in the rear seat
armrest
! Do not sit or lean your bodyweight on the
armrests when they are folded out as you
could damage them.
! Close the cover of the stowage
compartment before folding the rear seat
armrest back into the seat backrest.
Vehicles without a control panel in the rear seat
armrest
XTo open: fold down the seat armrest.XPull handle : and fold the armrests
upwards.
Vehicles with a control panel in the rear seat
armrest
XTo open: press button : and fold up the
armrest.
Stowage box between the rear seats
XTo open: pull handle : backwards in the
direction of the arrow.
Stowage box in the rear seat backrest
! Do not sit or lean your bodyweight on the
armrests when they are folded out as you
could damage them.
434Stowage areasStowing and features

XTo open: fold down the rear seat armrest.XPull handle : and fold down cover ;.
i
It will be easier to open the cover when
the rear seats are in the basic position.
Stowage pockets
GWARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
Storage bags are located in the rear
compartment on the driver's and front-
passenger seat backrests.
Parcel nets
GWARNING
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the left and right-hand sides
of the trunk.
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
There are four cargo tie down rings in the
trunk.
Bag hooks
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load
of 6.6 lbs (3 kg). Do not use it to secure a
load.
Stowage areas435Stowing and featuresZ

XPull bag hook ; down by tab :.
Stowage well under the trunk floor
Stowage well
You can store a suitcase in the stowage well
underneath the front section of the trunk
floor.
! Fold down the suitcase handle before
closing the trunk. You could otherwise
damage the trunk lid.
:Trunk floor;Stowage well for suitcases
Rear stowage compartment
In the S 600 model, you can fold the rear part
of the trunk floor forwards.
:Stowage well;Stowage compartment
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Only use roof racks approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage
to the vehicle.
Follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof rack loaded.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
436Stowage areasStowing and features

Depending on the vehicle equipment,
ensure that when the roof carrier is
installed you can:
R raise the sliding sunroof fully
R open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully
R open the trunk lid fully
Attaching the roof carrierXOpen covers : carefully in the direction of
the arrow.XFold covers : upwards.XOnly secure the roof carrier to the
anchorage points under covers :.XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Features
Cup holders
Important safety notes
GWARNING
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed.
An open cup holder may cause injury to you
or others when contacted during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder in the front-compartment
center console
You can remove the cup holder to clean it.
Clean with clear, lukewarm water only.
XTo open: press marking :.XTo remove: slide catch ; back and pull
the cup holder upwards.XTo insert: insert the cup holder and slide
catch ; forwards.
Cup holder in the rear seat armrest
!
Do not sit on or support your body weight
on the rear seat armrest when it is folded
down, as you could otherwise damage it.
! Close the cup holder before folding the
rear seat armrest up. Otherwise, the cup
holder could be damaged.
Features437Stowing and featuresZ

Vehicles without multicontour seats in the rear
compartment
Vehicles without Rear Seat Entertainment System
Vehicles with Rear Seat Entertainment System
XFold down the rear seat armrest.XTo open: press the front of cup holder :.
Cup holder : extends automatically.XTo close: slide the cup holder back until it
engages.Sun visors
Overview of sun visorsGWARNING
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the vanity mirrors in the sun visors
closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Reflected glare can endanger you and others.
:Mirror light;Bracket=Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket?Vanity mirrorAMirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
Mirror light : only functions if the sun visor
is clipped into retainer ; and mirror cover
A has been folded up.
Glare from the side
XFold down the sun visor.XPull the sun visor out of retainer ;.XSwing the sun visor to the side.438FeaturesStowing and features