cooling 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

Climate controlAutomatic climate control .............291
COMAND ....................................... 265
Controlling automatically ...............293
Controlling centrally (COMAND) ....267
Cooling with air dehumidification ..293
Cooling with air dehumidification
(COMAND) ..................................... 267
Defrosting the windows .................296
Defrosting the windshield ..............296
Important safety notes ..................290
Indicator lamp ................................ 293
Main menu ..................................... 266
Maximum cooling .......................... 296
Overview of systems ......................290
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 293
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 297
Rear compartment (COMAND) ......268
Rear control panel .........................291
Refrigerant ..................................... 528
Setting the air distribution .............295
Setting the airflow .........................295
Setting the airflow (COMAND) .......268
Setting the air vents ......................298
Setting the footwell temperature
(COMAND) ..................................... 268
Setting the temperature ................294
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 297
Switching on/off ........................... 292
Switching residual heat on/off ......298
Switching the rear window
heating on/off ............................... 297
Coat hooks ......................................... 434
Cockpit Overview .......................................... 34
see Instrument cluster
Color, setting (TV, video) .................. 240
COMAND At a glance (overview) .................... 118
Back button ................................... 119
Basic functions .............................. 133
Components .................................. 118
Display ........................................... 121
Example of operation .....................128
Function buttons ........................... 119Menu overview .............................. 121
Remote control .............................. 125
Switching on/off ........................... 133
System settings ............................. 143
COMAND controller ........................... 118
COMAND display Cleaning instructions .....................125
Folding in and swiveling .................124
Setting ........................................... 143
COMAND operating system .............. 118
Combination switch .......................... 279
Compass function ............................. 188
Conference connection ..................... 201
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 376
Contrast, setting (TV, video) ............ 240
Convenience closing feature .............. 94
Convenience opening feature ............ 93
Convenience telephone Importing contacts ........................204
Convenience telephony .................... 193
Introduction ................................... 193
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level .........................460
Display message ............................ 404
Notes ............................................. 529
Temperature (on-board computer) . 379
Temperature gauge ........................ 372
Cooling
see Climate control
Copy protection (CD/DVD) ............... 229
Cornering light function Display message ............................ 401
Function/notes ............................. 280
Cruise control
Cruise control lever .......................331
Deactivating ................................... 332
Display message ............................ 415
Driving system ............................... 330
Function/notes ............................. 330
Important safety notes ..................330
LIM indicator lamp .........................331
Setting a speed .............................. 332
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 3318Index

Climate control main menu
You can:
R switch cooling with dehumidification on or
off ( Æ )
R control climate control centrally ( Mono)
R adjust the Footwell Temperature
R set the Airflow for the air vents
R operate the Rear air conditioning from the
front
Switching cooling with air
dehumidification on/off
Cooling is operational when the engine is
running, and cools according to the selected
interior temperature for the vehicle. Cooling
also dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle
and, thereby, prevents the windows from
fogging up.
GWARNING
If you switch off cooling with
dehumidification, the vehicle will not be
cooled and the air not dehumidified in warm
weather conditions. The windows can mist up
faster. This could result in your no longer
being able to observe the traffic conditions
properly and you may cause an accident.
i Condensation may collect on the
underside of the vehicle when the cooler is
operating.
XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turningcVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XTo switch on: select Æ and press W.XTo switch off: select Æ and press W.
A tick appears.
Controlling climate control centrally
You can use the Mono function to set all the
air-conditioning zones in the vehicle to the
same settings. If the Mono function is
switched on and you adjust climate control
on the driver’s side, these changes will also
be made in all the air-conditioning zones.
XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XSelect Mono and press W.
A tick appears when the function is
selected.
The Mono function is automatically switched
off if you:
Vehicle267COMANDZ

Rchange settings for automatic climate
control on the front-passenger side using
COMAND
R press one of the rocker switches to operate
automatic climate control on the front-
passenger side
R press one of the rocker switches on the
rear-compartment control panel
Adjusting the footwell temperature
You can use the Footwell Temperature
function to set the temperature difference
between the footwell and the rest of the
vehicle interior.
i This setting is quite effective in automatic
mode, especially at low outside
temperatures.
The greater the value you set, the higher the
temperature in the footwell.XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XSelect Footwell Temperature and press
W .
A scale appears.XTo change the temperature difference:
slide ZVÆ or turn cVd.XTo confirm your selection: press W.Setting the blower settings for the air
vents
This function allows you to determine the way
the air is blown through the air vents in
automatic mode.
You can select:
R Focused (high blower setting)
R Medium (standard setting)
R Diffuse (low blower setting)
i This setting is quite effective in automatic
mode, especially at high outside
temperatures.
If the vehicle has become very warm and the
automatic air conditioning is cooling the
interior, the blower settings are briefly
canceled.XSelect the climate control main menu in the
air-conditioning function bar by turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The climate control menu opens.XSelect Airflow and press W.
A menu appears.
The current setting is indicated by a # dot.XTo change the airflow: slide ZVÆ or turn
cVd .XTo confirm your selection: press W.
Operating the rear-compartment air-
conditioning system from the front
The rear-compartment air-conditioning
system is operated in the same way as
268VehicleCOMAND

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).
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a blocked filter replaced at a Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
GWARNING
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.
The automatic climate control controls the
temperature and the humidity in the vehicle
interior and filters undesirable substances
from the air.
The automatic climate control is only
operational when the engine is running 16
.
Optimum operation is only achieved if you
drive with the side windows and sliding
sunroof/panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel closed.
You can also set some automatic climate
control functions via COMAND (Y page 265).
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the
convenience opening feature ( Y page 93).
This will speed up the cooling process and
the desired vehicle interior temperature
will be reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Service Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Service Booklet.
i It is possible that the blower may be
activated automatically 40 minutes after
the SmartKey is removed. The vehicle is
then ventilated for 30 minutes to dry the
air-conditioning system.16 The residual heat function can only be activated/deactivated if the ignition is switched off.290Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the rear
control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press rocker switch
K (Y page 291) up or down and select
AUTO .
or
XPress rocker switch K(Y page 291) up or
down and select MAN.XTo switch off: press rocker switch
K (Y page 291) up or down and select
OFF .
Activating/deactivating cooling with
the air dehumidification function
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
You can activate or deactivate the cooling
with air dehumidification function via
COMAND ( Y page 267).
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function
If you can no longer switch on the cooling with
air dehumidification function via COMAND,
the cooling with air dehumidification function
is switched off due to a malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
Controlling the front climate control
using the front control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.X To switch on: press the à rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch lights up.Operating the climate control system293Climate controlZ

Setting the rear-compartment airflow
using the front control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XActivate the Y rear compartment
function via COMAND ( Y page 268).
The rear-compartment climate control can
be controlled via the front control panel
using the Y rear compartment function.XTo increase/reduce: press the K
rocker switch up or down.
Setting the rear-compartment airflow
using the rear control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press rocker switch
J up or down ( Y page 291).
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press the ¬ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ rocker
switch lights up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 17
R high temperature 17
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo deactivate: press the ¬ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ rocker
switch goes out. The previously selected
settings come into effect again. The cooling
with air dehumidification function remains
on. Air-recirculation mode remains
deactivated.
or
XPress the w rocker switch up or down.
or
XPress the K rocker switch up or down.
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in
vehicles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
The MAX COOL function is activated
automatically:
R if climate control is set to automatic
( Ã ) on both sides
R if additional cooling is used
The display shows MAX COOL.
This is the quickest way to cool the vehicle
interior when the sliding sunroof and the side
windows are closed.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the cooling with air
dehumidification function via COMAND
( Y page 267).XActivate automatic mode Ã.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function ( Y page 296).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
17 Depending on the outside temperature.296Operating the climate control systemClimate control

Windows fogged up on the outsideXSwitch on the windshield wipers.XActivate automatic climate control.
iYou should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ¤ rocker switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ rocker
switch lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
The rear window defroster has deactivated
itself prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the g rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch lights up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. The indicator lamp in the
g rocker switch is not lit when
automatic air-recirculation mode is
activated.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
X To deactivate: press the g rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch goes out.
i Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes if
outside temperatures are less than about
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes if outside
temperatures are over about
41 ‡ (5 †)
Operating the climate control system297Climate controlZ

Setting the side air ventsXTo open/close: turn thumbwheel = up or
down.
i Side window defroster vent : is never
completely shut, even if side air vent ; is
shut.
Setting the glove box air vent
When automatic climate control is activated,
the glove box can be ventilated, for instance
to cool its contents. The level of airflow
depends on the airflow and air distribution
settings.
! Close the air vent when heating the
vehicle.
At high outside temperatures, open the air
vent and activate the "cooling with air
dehumidification" function. Otherwise,
temperature-sensitive items stored in the
glove box could be damaged.
XTo open: turn thumbwheel : counter-
clockwise from position 3 to position 2.XTo close: turn thumbwheel : clockwise
from position 2 to position 3.
Setting the rear-compartment air
vents
Setting the center vents in the rear
compartment
:Rear-compartment air vent, left;Rear-compartment air vent, right=Rear-compartment air vent thumbwheel,
right?Rear control panel for automatic climate
controlARear-compartment air vent thumbwheel,
leftXTo open/close: turn thumbwheel = or
A to the right or left.
i
In vehicles without rear-compartment air-
conditioning system: close the rear-
compartment air vents when heating mode
is activated, as no warm air flows through
the rear vents in the basic heating setting.
Setting the air vents299Climate controlZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Please Switch Off
LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop.Adaptive High-beam
Assist inoperativeAdaptive Highbeam Assist is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 460).XIf coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.GWARNING
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.
404Display messagesOn-board computer and displays