oil additives 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

Removing/ejecting (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................251
Selecting a media type ..................224
Selecting a track ............................ 224
Sound settings (balance, bass,
fader, treble) .................................. 135
DVD audio
Operation using the on-board
computer ....................................... 379
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating (COMAND) ....................262
Function/notes ............................. 110
EASY-EXIT feature
Activating (COMAND) ....................262
Crash-responsive ........................... 111
Function/notes ............................. 110
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 392
Function/notes ................................ 73
ECO function ...................................... 261
ECO start/stop function Deactivating/activating .................307
General information .......................306
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 87
Trunk ......................................... 91, 92
Vehicle ............................................. 87
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 472
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 61
Safety guidelines ............................. 45
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....28
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 427
Display message ............................ 404
ECO start/stop function ................306
Emergency starting ........................485
Engine number ............................... 522
Irregular running ............................ 309
Starting problems ..........................309
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 305
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............305
Switching off .................................. 323
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................309
Engine emergency stop .................... 487
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 459
Additives ........................................ 528
Checking the oil level ..................... 457
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 458
Checking the oil level using the
on-board computer ........................458
Display message ............................ 406
Filling capacity ............................... 524
Notes about oil grades ................... 527
Notes on oil level/consumption ....457
Temperature (on-board computer) . 379
Viscosity ........................................ 528
Entering the frequency ..................... 212
Entry Deleting ......................................... 131
Saving ............................................ 133
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Deactivating/activating .................384
Deactivating/activating (notes) .......72
Display message ............................ 389
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 72
Function/notes ................................ 71
Important safety information ...........71
Warning lamp ................................. 424
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 72
Exhaust check ................................... 327
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 467Index11

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

GWARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
GWARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers.
GWARNING
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel system and engine could be damaged. In
addition, the vehicle could catch fire.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a gasoline engine. Even a
small quantity of the wrong fuel will
damage the fuel system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
i Only refuel with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
You will usually find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
You can find more information under "Fuel"
( Y page 525), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Diesel
Fuel grade
! Only refuel with ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm SULFUR
MAXIMUM). Using other diesel fuels could
result in increased wear and damage to the
engine and/or exhaust system.
Never refuel with marine diesel or heating
oil.
Do not mix these fuels with diesel fuels and
do not use any special additives, as this
may result in damage.
! Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel
can. Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or the
fuel injection system could be blocked by
particles from the fuel can.
i Usually, you will find information about
the fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot
find the label on the gasoline pump, ask the
gas station staff.
You can find more information under “Fuel”
( Y page 525), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
318RefuelingDriving and parking

Reduce Oil Level message appears, the
engine oil level is too high.XHave excess oil siphoned off.
! Do not add too much oil. Adding too much
oil can result in damage to the engine or the
catalytic converter. Have excess oil
siphoned off.
If the For Engine Oil Level Ignition
Must be On message appears:
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
If the Need More Time to Check Engine
Oil Level message appears:
XIf the engine is at normal operating
temperature: repeat the measurement
after about five minutes.
If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature (e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly): repeat the measurement
after about 30 minutes.
If the Engine Oil Level Not When
Engine On message appears:
XSwitch off the engine.XIf the engine is at normal operating
temperature: wait about five minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the % button on the multifunction
steering wheel.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any engine oil on hot
engine parts.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
called up by visiting http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). More
information about tested and approved
engine oils and oil filters is available from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil cap
Engine compartment459Maintenance and careZ

iThe data shown on the identification plate
is example data. This data is different for
every vehicle and can deviate from the data
shown here. You can find the data
applicable to your vehicle on the vehicle's
identification plate.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) can
be found in the following locations:
R on the vehicle identification plate
( Y page 521)
R at the lower edge of the windshield
( Y page 522)
In addition to being stamped on the vehicle
identification plate, the vehicle identification
number (VIN) is also stamped onto the vehicle
body. It is under the trim behind the rear seat
armrest.
XFold down the rear seat armrest.XOpen the trim.
You will see vehicle identification number
(VIN) :.Engine number:Emission control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards;Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)=VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
Service products include the following:
R fuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel)
R additives for exhaust gas aftertreatment
(DEF)
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. You should therefore
only use products that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at a Mercedes-Benz Center
or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
GWARNING
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
522Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

RIPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline
including other additives must not exceed 3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used.
All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
Diesel engines – important safety notes
! Only use commercially available ULTRA-
LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm
MAXIMUM SULFUR) that meets the
ASTM D975 standard. Failure to use
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD)
can severely damage the vehicle's exhaust
gas aftertreatment system.
! Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosene.
Otherwise, the fuel system and the engine
could be damaged.
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved flow characteristics is available in
the winter months. Check with your gas
station.
Information on the fuel grade can usually be
found on the gas pump. If the information
cannot be found on the gas pump, ask the gas
station personnel. For further information,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or go to the Internet site
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
Diesel engines – fuels containing
biodiesel (FAME [fatty acid methyl ester])
Mercedes-Benz USA approves the use of B5
(ULSD with a maximum of up to five percent
by volume biodiesel) for all diesel engineswith common rail direct injection (CDI) and
BlueTEC.
Pure biodiesel and diesel fuels that have a
higher percentage of biodiesel, e.g. B20, can
damage the fuel system and the engine and
are therefore not approved.
For further information, please ask the gas
station personnel. The label on the gas pump
must indicate clearly that the B5 biodiesel
blend fulfills the ULSD standard. If the label
is not clear, do not refuel the vehicle.
Do not refuel your vehicle with fuels unless
they have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Additives in gasoline
One of the main problems of poor fuel quality
is the forming of deposits that are caused
during the gasoline combustion process.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
fuel brands that have the additives.
If you use fuels without these additives for an
extended period of time, there may be a
buildup of carbon deposits, especially on the
inlet valves and in the combustion chamber.
This could lead to engine problems, e.g.:
R longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise
R misfiring
R loss of power
Carbon deposits may form if the availability
of gasoline with relevant additives is
insufficient (in certain regions). In this case,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or go to the Internet site
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a list
of approved products. Observe the
instructions for use on the product label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
526Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

! Do not refuel with low-grade fuel and do
not use fuel additives that are not tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Damage to or malfunctions of the fuel
system may otherwise occur.
DEF
Important safety notes
i For BlueTEC vehicles only.
DEF is a non-flammable, non-toxic, colorless,
odorless and water-soluble fluid.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with DEF immediately with water or
remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold
water. If the DEF has already crystallized,
use a sponge and cold water to clean it. DEF
residues crystallize after time and
contaminate the affected surfaces.
High outside temperatures
If DEF heats up to over 122 ‡ (50 †) for
extended periods, e.g. as a result of direct
sunlight on the DEF reservoir, DEF can
decompose. Ammonia vapors develop as a
result.
GWARNING
When opening the filler cap of the DEF tank
ammonia gas vapors may escape. Refill DEF
in a well ventilated area only. Ammonia gas
vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating for your skin, mucous
membranes, and eyes. Inhaling ammonia gas
vapors will cause burning eyes, nose, and
throat, as well as coughing and watering eyes.
Low outside temperatures
DEF freezes at a temperature of
approximately 12 ‡ (–11 †). The vehicle is
equipped with a DEF preheating system when
it leaves the factory. Winter operation is
therefore also guaranteed at temperatures
below 12 ‡ (–11 †).
Additives
! Only use DEF in accordance with ISO
22241. Do not use additives with DEF and
do not dilute DEF with water. This may
destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment system.
Purity
Assuring the purity of DEF is particularly
important with respect to avoiding
malfunctions in the exhaust gas
aftertreatment system.
If DEF is pumped out of the DEF tank, e.g.
during repair work, it must not be returned to
the tank. The purity of the fluid can no longer
be guaranteed.
! Impurities in DEF (e.g. due to other
service products, cleaning agents or dust)
lead to:
R increased emission values
R damage to the catalytic converter
R engine damage
R malfunctions in the BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment system
Engine oil
Please bear the following in mind
The engine oils are matched to the
performance of Mercedes-Benz engines and
service intervals. You should therefore only
use engine oils and oil filters that are
approved for vehicles with maintenance
systems.
For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or go to the Internet site
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to
fulfill the prescribed service intervals. Do
not change the engine oil or oil filter in
order to achieve longer replacement
Service products and capacities527Technical dataZ

intervals than those prescribed. You could
otherwise cause engine damage or damage
to the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Follow the instructions in the service
interval display regarding the oil change.
Otherwise, you may damage the engine and
the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle.ModelEngine
modelMB
ApprovalS 550 36
S 550 4MATIC 36278229.5S 600275S 63 AMG157229.537S 65 AMG275S 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC642228.51,
229.31,
229.51
i MB approval is indicated on the oil
containers.
Additives
! Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Engine oil viscosity
Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity,
this means that it is thick; a low viscosity
means that it is thin.
Select an engine oil with an SAE (viscosity)
classification suitable for the prevailing
outside temperatures. The following table
shows the correct SAE classification to be
used. The low-temperature characteristics of
engine oils can deteriorate significantly, e.g.
as a result of aging, soot and fuel deposits. It
is therefore strongly recommended that you
carry out regular oil changes using an
approved engine oil with the appropriate SAE
classification.
Refrigerant of the air-conditioning
system
The air-conditioning system is filled with
R134a refrigerant and a special PAG
lubricant.
! Never use refrigerant R 12 (CFC) or
mineral lubricants. Otherwise, you could
damage the air-conditioning system.
Brake fluid
GWARNING
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air; this lowers its boiling
point.
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change
intervals can be found in the Service Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Information about approved brake
36 BlueEFFICIENCY
37 Restriction: only SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.528Service products and capacitiesTechnical data