service interval 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

Rear ............................................... 299
Setting ........................................... 298
Setting the center air vents ...........298
Setting the side air vents ...............299
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Alternative route ............................... 171
Ambient light setting (COMAND) ..... 263
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 379
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........75
Ashtray ............................................... 440
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 383
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................75
Function ........................................... 75
Switching off the alarm ....................75
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................384
Display message ............................ 408
Function/notes ............................. 356
Audio
Radio mode ................................... 211
Audio database
see MUSIC REGISTER
Audio DVD
Mode, switching to ........................221
Pause function ............................... 223
Playback options ........................... 228
Safety notes .................................. 220
Setting the audio format ................227
Stop function ................................. 223
Audio format, setting
Audio DVD ..................................... 227
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...258
Video DVD ..................................... 245
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 378Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 403
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 307
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 307
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 277
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............314
Changing gear ............................... 313
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................310
Display message ............................ 417
Driving tips .................................... 313
Emergency running mode ..............317
Kickdown ....................................... 313
Manual drive program ....................316
Problem (malfunction) ...................317
Program selector button ................314
Pulling away ................................... 305
Shift ranges ................................... 315
Starting the engine ........................305
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......314
Transmission position display ........312
Transmission positions ..................312
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 317
Autostore ........................................... 213
see Station memory (radio)
AUX (audio)
Notes/socket ................................ 239
Switching to ................................... 239
AUX (video)
Setting the picture .........................240
Setting the volume and sound .......246
Showing/hiding the menu .............246
Switching to ................................... 246
B
Back button ....................................... 119
Back support see Lumbar support
Bag hook ............................................ 435
Balance, adjusting ............................. 135
Bang & Olufsen sound system ......... 137
Index5

Cup holderCenter console .............................. 437
Important safety notes ..................437
Rear compartment .........................437
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 31
Customer Relations Department ....... 31
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Data carrier
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 230
Data medium
Audio DVD ..................................... 228
CD/DVD ........................................ 229
MP3 ............................................... 228
Date format, setting .......................... 144
Day design, setting ........................... 143
Daytime running lamp mode see Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 403
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 385
Switching on/off (switch) ..............277
DEF
Adding ........................................... 321
Display message ............................ 408
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (COMAND) ...........263
Interior lighting (COMAND) ............263
Destination (navigation)
Displaying information ...................172
Entering a destination by address .. 153
Entering a destination using the
map ............................................... 160
Entering an intermediate stop .......161
Entering a point of interest ............162
Saving ............................................ 179
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 159
Selecting from the list of last
destinations ................................... 159
Destination memory (navigation)
Deleting an entry ........................... 181
Entering/saving your home
address .......................................... 156
Previous destinations ....................181
Dialing a number (telephone) ........... 200
Digital speedometer ......................... 376
Digital TV see TV
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display
Selecting the design ......................143
Settings ......................................... 143
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 467
Displaying the arrival time ............... 172
Displaying the distance to the
destination ......................................... 172
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....388
Driving systems ............................. 408
Engine ............................................ 404
General notes ................................ 388
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........388
Lights ............................................. 401
Safety systems .............................. 389
Service interval display ..................462
SmartKey ....................................... 419
Tires ............................................... 415
Vehicle ........................................... 417
Distance
see Navigation, route overview
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 383
Distance recorder ............................. 376
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 428
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 340
Display message ............................ 413
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 339
Driving tips .................................... 340
Function/notes ............................. 332
Important safety notes ..................332Index9

Low-beam headlampsDisplay message ............................ 401
Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 276
Switching on/off ........................... 277
Lubricant additives
see Additives
Lumbar support
Adjusting ....................................... 108
Lumbar support (COMAND) .............. 269
M
M+S tires ............................................ 492
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Malfunction message
see Display messages
Malfunctions relevant to safety
Reporting ......................................... 31
Map (navigation)
Adjusting the scale ........................182
Arrival time/distance to the
destination ..................................... 185
City model ..................................... 186
Display ........................................... 184
Geo-coordinate display ..................186
Heading ......................................... 184
Information in the display ..............185
Map settings .................................. 182
Moving ........................................... 183
North orientation ........................... 184
Notes ............................................. 182
Point of interest symbols ...............184
Road display .................................. 185
Saving the crosshair position .........183
Setting to the vehicle destination ..183
Topographical map ........................186
Map display (also see navigation)
Traffic reports ................................ 174
Massage function (PULSE) ............... 272
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 465
mbrace Automatic retrieval of vehicle data
(service due date) ..........................449
Call priority .................................... 447
Display message ............................ 396
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 447
Emergency call .............................. 444
Important safety notes ..................443
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............450
MB info call button ........................446
Remote vehicle locking ..................449
Roadside Assistance button ..........445
Search & Send ............................... 448
Self-test ......................................... 444
System .......................................... 443
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............449
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 81
Unlocking the driver's door ..............87
Media Interface
Active partition .............................. 238
Alphabetical track selection ..........237
Connecting an external audio
source ............................................ 234
Connection options .......................233
iPod ®
............................................. 233
Mode ............................................. 233
Notes on USB devices ...................238
Playback options ........................... 238
Selecting categories ......................236
Selecting folders ............................ 236
Selecting music files ......................236
Selecting playlists ..........................236
Switching to ................................... 234
USB mass storage device ..............233
Media list
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........224
Video DVD ..................................... 242
Memory card (audio) ......................... 379
Memory function ............................... 113
Menu item Selecting ........................................ 126
Message memory (on-board
computer) .......................................... 388
Messages see Display messages
Microphone, switching on/off ......... 201Index15

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

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

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

DEF
Important notes on use
To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment must be operated with the
reducing agent DEF. Adding DEF is one of the
tasks performed during maintenance. Under
normal operating conditions, a tank of DEF
lasts until the next service due date.
When the DEF supply has almost run out, the
Check Additive See Operator's
Manual message is shown in the
multifunction display.
When the DEF supply sinks to a minimum
level, the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display.
When the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display, you can
start the engine 16 more times. If DEF is not
added, it is then not possible to start the
engine again. Fill the DEF tank with about
1 gal (3.8 l) DEF or have the DEF tank refilled
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when filling
between maintenance intervals. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center with any
questions or, if necessary, contact Roadside
Assistance ( Y page 29).
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Adding DEF
GWARNING
Make sure
R DEF does not come into contact with skin,
eyes, or clothing
R to keep DEF out of the reach of children
If you and/or others have come into contact
with DEF:
R If DEF has gotten into contact with eyes,
flush with plenty of water immediately and
seek medical help.
R Clean affected skin immediately with plenty
of water.
R If DEF was swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Consult a physician.GWARNING
If you open the DEF tank cap at high
temperatures, ammonia vapors can be
released.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to:
R skin
R mucous membranes
R eyes
You may experience a burning sensation in
your eyes, nose and throat, as well as
coughing and watering of the eyes.
Do not inhale any ammonia vapors that may
be released. Only refill the DEF tank in well
ventilated areas.
! Only use DEF that complies with
ISO 22241. Do not add any special
additives to DEF and do not thin DEF with
water. This could destroy the BlueTEC
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
If the outside temperature is lower than
Ò 11 †, damage may occur when topping up.
If DEF is frozen and there is an active warning
indicator, topping up may not be possible.
Park the vehicle in a warmer place, e.g. in a
garage, until DEF has become fluid again.
Filling is then possible again. Alternatively,
have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop.
! 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,
Refueling321Driving and parkingZ

If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System) in compliance with all legal
requirements and when the road, weather and
traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise
not be able to observe the traffic conditions,
endangering yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) a second
when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h).
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.XRemove unnecessary loads.XRemove roof racks when they are not
needed.XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Service Booklet or by the service interval
display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched off
GWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
326Driving tipsDriving and parking

Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust checkGWARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency
when they are maintained exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. For this reason, all work on the
engine must be carried out only by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Service Booklet.
Brakes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
GWARNING
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
Driving tips327Driving and parkingZ