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

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 28At a glance ........................................... 33Safety ................................................... 43Opening/closing ................................. 77Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ..101COMAND ............................................ 115Lights and windshield wipers ..........275Climate control ................................. 289Driving and parking ..........................301On-board computer and displays ....371Stowing and features .......................431Maintenance and care ......................455Breakdown assistance .....................471Wheels and tires ............................... 489Technical data ................................... 519
Contents3

Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 338
Warning lamp ................................. 428
Dolby Digital ...................................... 136
Doors Automatic locking (switch) ............... 86
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 78
Control panel ................................... 40
Display message ............................ 418
Emergency locking ........................... 88
Emergency unlocking .......................87
Important safety notes ....................85
Opening (from inside) ......................86
Power closing feature ......................87
Drinking and driving ......................... 326
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 314
Manual ........................................... 316
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................463
Symmetrical low beam ..................276
Driving Assistance package ............. 360
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......69
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 73
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............70
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 70
Electronic brake force distribution ...73
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 71
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 72
Important safety information ...........69
Overview .......................................... 68
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 73
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................364
Active Body Control .......................345Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 363
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............367
AIRMATIC ...................................... 343
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................356
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 360
Cruise control ................................ 330
Display message ............................ 408
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 332
Driving Assistance package ...........360
HOLD function ............................... 342
Lane Keeping Assist ......................362
Night View Assist Plus ...................357
Parking Guidance ........................... 350
PARKTRONIC ................................. 347
Rear view camera .......................... 354
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................313
Brakes ........................................... 327
Break-in period .............................. 302
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 340
Downhill gradient ........................... 327
Drinking and driving .......................326
Driving abroad ............................... 276
Driving in winter ............................. 330
Driving on flooded roads ................329
Driving on wet roads ......................329
Exhaust check ............................... 327
Fuel ................................................ 326
General .......................................... 326
Hydroplaning ................................. 329
Icy road surfaces ........................... 330
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 328
Pedals ............................................ 326
Snow chains .................................. 493
Symmetrical low beam ..................276
Wet road surface ........................... 327
DVD
Changer ......................................... 220
Copy protection ............................. 229
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............225
Handling ........................................ 189
Inserting ........................................ 220
Inserting/loading (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................251
Notes on discs ............................... 22910Index

Gracenote Media Database .............. 226
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Harman/kardon ®
Logic 7 ®
surround sound system see Surround sound (harman/
kardon ®
surround sound system)
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 279
HD Radio™ ......................................... 215
Heading up (navigation) ................... 184
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 529
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....461
Cleaning system (function) ............278
Fogging up ..................................... 281
see Automatic headlamp mode
Headphones
Changing batteries ........................247
Function overview ..........................142
Indicator lamp ................................ 143
Selecting a screen .........................142
Switching on/off ........................... 142
Head restraints
Adjusting ....................................... 106
Adjusting (electrically) ...................106
Adjusting (rear) .............................. 107
NECK-PRO ..................................... 106
NECK-PRO luxury ........................... 106
see NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs (vehicles with
halogen daytime running lamps) ....284
Changing bulbs (vehicles with LED
daylight lamps) .............................. 284
Display message ............................ 402
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 280
Switching on/off ........................... 279
Hill start assist .................................. 306
HOLD function
Display message ............................ 411
Function/notes ............................. 342
Home
see Home address
Home address
Entering and saving .......................156
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 159
Hood
Closing ........................................... 457
Display message ............................ 418
Opening ......................................... 456
Hydroplaning ..................................... 329
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 75
Incident (traffic report) ..................... 174
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Insect protection on the radiator .... 457
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 35
Warning and indicator lamps ...........36
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Interface (USB, iPod ®
)
see Media Interface
Interior lighting
Ambient light (COMAND) ...............263
Automatic control ..........................282
Interior lighting .............................. 263
Manual control ............................... 282
Overview ........................................ 281
Reading lamp ................................. 281
see Interior lighting
Intermediate stop
Deleting ......................................... 162
Entering ......................................... 161
iPod ®
Alphabetical track selection ..........237
Connecting to the Media
Interface ........................................ 234
Index13

Selecting a category/playlist .........236
Supported variants ........................233
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 472
Using ............................................. 474
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 481
K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............94
Locking ............................................ 79
Start/Stop button .......................... 303
Starting the engine ........................305
Unlocking ......................................... 79
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 303
SmartKey ....................................... 303
Kickdown
Driving tips .................................... 313
Manual drive program ....................316
L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane-change assistant
see Blind Spot Assist
Lane detection (automatic)
see Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating .................385
Display message ............................ 411
Function/information ....................362
Lap time (RACETIMER) ...................... 380
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 65
Letter bar see Character bar
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 402
Lighting see Lights
Lights
Automatic headlamp mode ............277
Cornering light function .................280
Display message ............................ 401
Driving abroad ............................... 276
Fog lamps ...................................... 278
Hazard warning lamps ...................279
High beam flasher .......................... 279
High-beam headlamps ...................279
Light switch ................................... 276
Low-beam headlamps ....................277
Parking lamps ................................ 276
Rear fog lamp ................................ 278
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 386
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 385
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................277
Turn signals ................................... 279
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 403
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 331
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 335
Loading guidelines ............................ 432
Locator lighting setting (COMAND) . 264
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 86
Emergency locking ........................... 88
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 86
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 386
Logic 7 ®
(Harman Kardon ®
surround sound system) see 3D sound (Harman Kardon ®
surround sound system) 14Index

Selecting your home address ........159
Setting route options (avoiding:
highways, toll roads, tunnels,
ferries) ........................................... 152
Setting the route type (short
route, fast route, dynamic route or
economic route) ............................ 152
Showing/hiding the menu .............152
Starting route calculation ..............156
Switching announcements on/off . 170
Switching to ................................... 151
Traffic report .................................. 174
Troubleshooting ............................. 192
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 55
Resetting after being triggered ........56
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Operation ......................................... 55
Resetting after being triggered ........56
Night View Assist Plus
Activating/deactivating .................357
Cleaning ......................................... 467
Display message ............................ 408
Function/notes ............................. 357
Problem (malfunction) ...................360
North orientation (navigation) ......... 184
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 302
Number keypad ................................. 129
O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 54
Operation ......................................... 50
System self-test ............................... 53
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................62
System overview .............................. 44
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 525
Odometer ........................................... 376
see Trip odometer
Off-road .............................................. 173
Oil see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 379
Assistance menu ........................... 383
Audio menu ................................... 378
Displaying a service message ........462
Display messages ..........................388
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 339
Important safety notes ..................372
Menu overview .............................. 375
Message memory .......................... 388
Navigation menu ............................ 377
Operating video DVD .....................379
Operation ....................................... 373
RACETIMER ................................... 380
Service menu ................................. 385
Settings menu ............................... 385
Standard display ............................ 376
Telephone menu ............................ 382
Trip menu ...................................... 376
Opening height restriction for
trunk lid .............................................. 265
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside lighting
Delayed switch-off (COMAND) .......263
Outside temperature display ........... 373
Overhead control panel ...................... 39
Override feature Rear side windows ...........................67
Own address (navigation)
see Home address
P
Paint code number ............................ 521
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 465
Panic alarm .......................................... 68
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing .............................. 97
Problem (malfunction) ...................100
Resetting ......................................... 99
Panorama sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................95
Parcel net ........................................... 435
Parking ............................................... 323
Important safety notes ..................323
Index17

CockpitFunctionPage:Steering wheel paddle
shifters
314
;Combination switch279=Cruise control lever331?HornAInstrument cluster35BDIRECT SELECT lever310CControl panel for:Vehicle level343Suspension tuning344PARKTRONIC347Swiveling the COMAND
display
124
COMAND display
brightness
124
Instrument lighting124FunctionPageDOverhead control panel39EAutomatic climate control290FIgnition lock303Start/Stop button303GAdjusts the steering wheel109Steering wheel heating110HElectric parking brake324IOn-board diagnostics
socketJOpens the hood456KNight View Assist Plus357LLight switch27634CockpitAt a glance

Instrument cluster
Displays
FunctionPage:Coolant temperature372;Fuel gauge=PARKTRONIC347?Multifunction display374SpeedometerATransmission position312BTachometer373CDrive program314DParking Guidance350FunctionPageEUnit of measurement for
the speedometer
386
FOutside temperature373GAdditional speedometer386HHOLD function342Ä PRE-SAFE ®
Brake73IAdaptive Highbeam Assist280Lane Keeping Assist or
Active Lane Keeping Assist362, 367ATTENTION ASSIST356Instrument cluster35At a glance

XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 69).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 69).
At speeds above approximately
4 mph (7 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you when
braking in hazardous situations and uses the
radar sensor system to evaluate the traffic
conditions.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor system is intended for use in an
automotive radar system only. Removing,
altering or tampering with the device will
void any warranties, and is not permitted
by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or
use in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example stopped or
parked vehicles.
Should you approach an obstacle and BAS
PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS
PLUS calculates the braking force necessary
to avoid a rear-end collision.
R At speeds up to approximately
20 mph(30 km/h) : should you apply the
brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS will
automatically increase the braking force to
a level suitable for the traffic conditions.
R At speeds up to approximately
20 mph(30 km/h) : should you apply the
brakes, BAS PLUS is activated. Braking is
performed as late as possible.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated simultaneously.XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.70Driving safety systemsSafety

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

GWARNING
PRE-SAFE®
Brake cannot always detect
complex traffic situations properly.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE(R) Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
particular attention to the traffic situation and
be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE(R)
Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention
in a non-critical driving situation.
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
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake 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.
In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer ( Y page 384).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed on the left in the instrument
cluster.
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be
switched on ( Y page 387) and operational.
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.
Theft deterrent locking systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the trunk lid
R the hood
Theft deterrent locking systems75SafetyZ