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

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 442
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 346
4MATIC off-road system ................... 346
A
ABC see Active Body Control (ABC)
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 389
Function/notes ................................ 69
Important safety notes ....................69
Warning lamp ................................. 423
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 293
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 385
Function/information ....................364
Active Body Control (ABC)
Display message ............................ 410
Function/notes ............................. 345
Active Driving Assistance package . 363
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 385
Display message ............................ 411
Function/information ....................367
Active Light System
Display message ............................ 403
Active multicontour seat .......... 108, 272
Active service system PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 73
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 344
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 404
Function/notes ............................. 280
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 386
Additional speedometer ................... 386
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 528
Address Entering (example) .........................153
see Address book
Address book
Calling up ....................................... 205
Connecting a call ........................... 208
Creating an entry ........................... 206
Deleting an entry ........................... 207
Entering characters .......................132
Entry as a home address ...............178
Importing contacts ........................204
Introduction ................................... 203
Starting route guidance .................208
Voice tag ....................................... 208
Air bags
Display message ............................ 399
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 48
Important safety notes ....................46
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 50
Safety guidelines ............................. 45
Side impact air bag ..........................48
Window curtain air bag ....................49
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 295
Setting (COMAND) .........................266
Air filter (display message) .............. 408
Airflow Setting ........................................... 295
Setting (COMAND) .........................266
AIRMATIC
Display message ............................ 409
Function/notes ............................. 343
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 299
Important safety notes ..................2984Index

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

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

Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or change of
ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in
contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
Introduction29

PRE-SAFE®
(preventative occupant
protection)GWARNING
The PRE-SAFE ®
system reduces the impact of
an accident on vehicle occupants, as long as
their seat belts have been fastened correctly.
Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE-
SAFE ®
system, the possibility of injury in the
event of an accident cannot be ruled out. You
should therefore always drive carefully and
adapt your driving style to the prevailing road,
weather and traffic conditions.
PRE-SAFE ®
takes preemptive measures to
protect occupants in certain hazardous
situations.
PRE-SAFE ®
intervenes:
R in emergency braking situations, e.g. if BAS
is activated or, in vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS, BAS PLUS intervenes powerfully
R if the radar sensor system detects an
imminent danger of collision in certain
situations (on vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS)
R in critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceed and the vehicle
understeers or oversteers severely
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation
detected:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R it adjusts the seats if the front-passenger
seat or the electrically adjustable outer
seats in the rear are in unfavorable
positions.
R vehicles with a multicontour seat or an
active multicontour seat: the air pressure
in the side bolsters on the seat cushion and
the side bolsters on the backrest is
increased.
R vehicles with multicontour seats in the
rear: the air pressure in the backrest side
bolsters of the outer seats in the rear is
increased.
R if the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof/
panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel and the side windows are closed so
that only a small gap remains.
If the sliding sunroof, panorama roof with
power tilt/sliding panel or a side window is
obstructed during closing, the closing
procedure is stopped. The obstructed sliding
sunroof, panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel or side window opens again
slightly.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pretensioning. The air pressure in the
side bolsters on the multicontour seat/active
multicontour seat is reduced again. All
settings made by PRE-SAFE ®
can then be
reversed.
If the seat belts are not released:XMove the backrest back slightly, but only
when the vehicle is stationary.
The belt pretensioning is reduced and the
locking mechanism is released.GWARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you adjust the seat.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
More information about seat-belt
adjustment, a convenience function
integrated into PRE-SAFE ®
, can be found in
the "Seat-belt adjustment" section
( Y page 60).
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-
PRO luxury head restraints
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury
head restraints increase protection of the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
Occupant safety55SafetyZ

The brakes will work normally again if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational, see "Radar sensor system" in the
index.GWARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
careful attention to the traffic situation and be
ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
GWARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident. Always pay careful attention to the
traffic situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 69).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the front or rear
Driving safety systems71SafetyZ

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).
Correct driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment ( Y page 103).
XCheck whether you have adjusted seat =
properly.
Electrical seat adjustment ( Y page 104)
When adjusting the seat, make sure:
R you are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
R you are sitting in a normal upright
position.R you can fasten the seat belt properly.
R you have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.
R you have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
R you can depress the pedals properly.XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly ( Y page 106).
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted the head restraint so that the back
of your head is supported at eye level by
the center of the head restraint.
Observe the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment ( Y page 109).
XCheck whether steering wheel : is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel electrically
( Y page 110)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts
( Y page 57).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
belt ; properly ( Y page 59).
The seat belt should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R be routed in your pelvic area across the
hip jointsXBefore starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors
( Y page 111) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.XVehicles with a memory function: save
the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror
settings ( Y page 113).102Correct driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

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).
Introduction
Operating safety
General notes
GWARNING
Vehicles with HYBRID: ensure that you read
the "HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise
fail to recognize dangers.
GWARNING
Making alterations to electronic components
can cause malfunctions.
Radio, satellite radio, amplifier, DVD changer,
navigation module, phone and voice control
are networked together. If one component is
not functional or if it has been incorrectly
removed/replaced, this could impair the
operation of other components.
This could seriously jeopardize the
operational safety of your vehicle.
We recommend that you always have
maintenance work on electronic components
carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
GWARNING
In order to avoid distraction which could lead
to an accident, the driver should enter system
settings while the vehicle is at a standstill, and
operate the system only when permitted by
road, weather and traffic conditions.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your car covers a
distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) every
second.
COMAND supplies you with information to
help you select your route more easily and
guide you conveniently and safely to your
destination. For safety reasons, we
encourage the driver to stop the vehicle in a
safe place before answering or placing a call,
or consulting the COMAND screen to read
navigational maps, instructions, or
downloaded information.GWARNING
While the navigation system provides
directional assistance, the driver must remain
focused on safe driving behavior, especially
attention to traffic and street signs, and
should utilize the system's audio cues while
driving.
The navigation system does not supply any
information on stop signs, yield signs, traffic
regulations or traffic safety rules. Their
observance always remains in the driver's
personal responsibility. DVD maps do not
cover all areas nor all routes within an area.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i USA only: This device complies with Part
15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
116IntroductionCOMAND

COMAND display
Display overview
The COMAND display shows the function currently selected and its associated menus. The
COMAND display is divided into several areas.
The radio display is shown in the example.
:Status bar;To call up the audio menu=Main function bar?Display/selection windowARadio menu barBAir-conditioning function bar
Status bar : shows the current settings for radio and telephone operation.
The main functions navigation, audio, telephone and video feature additional menus. This is
indicated by triangle ;. The following table lists the available menu items.
Main function bar = allows you to call up the desired main function.
In the example, the Audio main function is set to radio mode and display/selection
window ? is active.
Radio menu bar A allows you to operate the radio functions.
The air-conditioning functions can be operated in air-conditioning function bar B.
Menu overview
The table lists the menus available after calling up the main navigation, audio, telephone, video
or system function in the main function bar.
At a glance121COMANDZ

GWARNING
Navigation announcements are intended to
direct you while driving without diverting your
attention from the road and driving.
Please always use this feature instead of
consulting the map display for directions.
Looking at the icons or map display can
distract you from traffic conditions and
driving, and increase the risk of an accident.
General information
Operational readiness of the navigation
system
The navigation system must determine the
position of the vehicle before first use or
whenever operational status is restored.
Therefore, you may have to drive for a while
before precise route guidance is possible.
GPS reception
Correct functioning of the navigation system
depends, amongst other things, on GPS
reception. In certain situations, GPS
reception may be impaired, there may be
interference or there may be no reception at
all, e.g. in tunnels or parking garages.
Entry restriction
On vehicles for certain countries, there is a
restriction on entering data.
The restriction is active from a vehicle speed
of over approximately 3 mph (5 km/h). As
soon as speed falls below approximately
2 mph (3 km/h), the restriction becomes
inactive.
When the restriction is active, certain entries
cannot be made. This will be indicated by the
fact that certain menu items are grayed out
and cannot be selected.
The following functions, for example, may
therefore not be available while the vehicle is
in motion:
R entering the destination city and street
R entering a destination via the map
Rentering points of interest in the vicinity of
a city or via a name search
R editing entries
R using the number keypad for direct entry
Switching to navigation modeXPress the S function button once or
twice.
or
XSelect Navi in the main function bar by
sliding ZV and turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.
In both cases, you will see the map either
with or without the menu shown.
Map showing the menu; route guidance inactive
:Current vehicle position
Map without the menu; route guidance inactive
:Current vehicle position;Map orientation selected=Map scale selected
" Route guidance active" means that you have
entered a destination and that COMAND has
calculated the route. The display then shows
Navigation151COMANDZ