brakes MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2013 W221 Owner's Manual

B
Back button ....................................... 123
Back support see Lumbar support
Bag hook ............................................ 441
Balance, adjusting .............................139
Bang &Olufsen sound system .........141
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................74
Basic carriers see Separate operating instructions
Basic settings
see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 74
Bass, setting ...................................... 139
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 85
Important safety notes ....................85
Replacing ......................................... 85
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 486
Display message ............................ 410
Important safety notes ..................484
Jump starting ................................. 488
Belt
see Seat belts
Bird's-eye view (navigation) .............188
Blind see Roller sunblind
Blin dSpot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................387
Display message ............................ 416
Notes/function .............................. 363
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 325
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 533
Bluetooth ®
Activating/deactivating .................151
Authorizing a device (registering) ..152
Conditions (general )...................... 151
Conditions (telephone ).................. 199
Connecting another mobile phone .201
Connecting devices .......................151
De-authorizing (de-registering) a
device ............................................ 153
External authorization (general) .....153 External authorization (telephone)
.201
General information .......................151
Introduction ................................... 197
Receiving vCards ........................... 208
Searching for devices ....................152
Settings ......................................... 151
Telephone basic menu ...................202
Telephony ...................................... 199
Telephony notes ............................ 197
Bluetooth ®
interface
Telephony ...................................... 197
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 399
Notes ............................................. 535
Brake fluid level ................................ 468
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 406
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 73
BAS .................................................. 74
BAS PLUS ........................................ 74
Brake fluid (notes) .........................535
Display message ............................ 391
Driving tips .................................... 331
High-performance brake system ....333
Important safety notes ..................331
Maintenance .................................. 332
Parking brake ................................ 328
Warning lamp ................................. 427
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness, setting (TV, video) .........244
Bulbs see Changing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................29
Call
Accepting/ending/rejecting .......... 203
see Telephone
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages 6
Index

Driving tip
s.................................... 344
Function/notes ............................. 336
Important safety notes ..................336
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 342
Warning lamp ................................. 435
Dolby ®
Digital .................................... 140
Doors Automatic locking (switch) .............. .89
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .82
Control panel ................................... 43
Display message ............................ 424
Emergency locking ........................... 91
Emergency unlocking .......................90
Important safety notes ....................88
Opening (from inside) ......................89
Power closing feature ......................90
Drinking and driving .........................330
Drinks holder see Cuph older
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 318
Manual .......................................... .319
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................470
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 280
Driving Assistance package .............363
Driving lamps see Daytime running lamps
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......73
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 77
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............74
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .............................................. .74
Electroni cbrake force distribution ...76
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 75
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 76
Important safety information ...........73 Overview
.......................................... 72
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .77
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assis t................. 367
Active Body Control .......................348
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 366
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............369
AIRMATIC ...................................... 347
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................359
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 363
Cruise control ................................ 334
Display message ............................ 412
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 336
Driving Assistance package ...........363
HOLD function ............................... 346
Lane Keeping Assist ......................365
Nigh tView Assist Plus ...................360
Parking Guidance ........................... 353
PARKTRONI C................................. 350
Rea rview camera .......................... 357
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................317
Brakes ........................................... 331
Break-in period .............................. 306
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 344
Downhill gradient ........................... 331
Drinking and driving .......................330
Driving abroad ............................... 280
Driving in winter ............................ .333
Driving on flooded road s................ 333
Driving on wet road s...................... 333
Exhaust check ............................... 331
Fuel ................................................ 330
General .......................................... 330
Hydroplaning ................................. 333
Icy road surfaces ........................... 334
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 332
Pedals. ........................................... 330
Snow chains .................................. 501
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 280
Wet road surface ........................... 331
DVD
Changer ......................................... 225
Cop yprotection ............................. 234
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............230
Handling ........................................ 19310
Index

Maintenanc
e.................................... 29
Parking for a long period ................ 329
Pulling away ................................... 309
Raising ........................................... 480
Reporting problems .........................32
Towing away .................................. 490
Transporting .................................. 492
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........90
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................82
Vehicle data ................................... 537
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 537
Vehicle dimensions ...........................537
Vehicle emergency locking ................91
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............529
Vehicle level Active Body Control (ABC) .............348
AIRMATIC ...................................... 347
Display message ............................ 414
Vehicle level (display message) .......413
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 478
Video see Video DVD
Video AUX
Setting the picture .........................244
Video DVD
Automatic picture shutoff ..............244
DVD menu ..................................... 248
Fast forward/rewind ..................... .247
Function restrictions ......................246
Interactive content ........................250
Notes on discs ............................... 245
Operation ....................................... 245
Pause function ............................... 247
Playing conditions .......................... 245
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...258
Safety notes .................................. 245
Selecting ........................................ 247
Selecting a film/title ..................... .248
Selecting a scene/chapter ............247
Setting the audio forma t................ 249
Setting the language ......................249
Setting the picture .........................244
Showing/hiding the control menu .246
Showing/hiding the menu .............246 Stop function
................................. 247
Subtitles ........................................ 249
Switching to ................................... 246
VIN ...................................................... 529
Voice Control System Settings ......................................... 149
Volume, adjusting
COMAND ....................................... 138
Headphone s.................................. 146
Navigation messages .....................138
Using the remote control (Rear
Seat Entertainment System) ..........144 W
Waiting call ........................................ 205
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 428
Brakes ........................................... 427
Check Engine ................................. 434
Distance warning ........................... 435
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 435
ESP ®
.............................................. 430
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 431
Fuel tank ........................................ 434
Overview .......................................... 38
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 54
Reserve fuel ................................... 434
Seat bel t........................................ 426
SRS ................................................ 433
Tire pressure monitor ....................436
Warranty ............................................ 529
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 424
Weather Band
Searching for achannel ................. 218
Switching on .................................. 218
Wheel bol ttightening torque ...........483
Wheel chock ...................................... 480
Wheels Changing awheel .......................... 479
Checking ........................................ 499
Cleaning ......................................... 472
Important safety notes ..................498
Interchanging/changing ................521
Mounting anew wheel ................... 482
Removing awheel .......................... 48226
Index

Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
0002
Turn signal 283
0003
Electric parking brake (red) 427
0005
(USA only) 000A
(Canada only) 0026
Electric parking brake
(yellow)
427
0005
(USA only) 000A
(Canada only) 0025
Seat belt 426
0023
ESP
® 430
0024
Distance warning 435
0014
Brakes 427
000F
(USA only) 0006
(Canada only) Function Page
0015
ESP
®
OFF 430
0016
Tire pressure monitor 436
0017
Diesel engine: preglow 309
0018
Check engine 434
001C
ABS 428
001D
SRS 433
001E
High-beam headlamps 283
001F
Reserve fuel 43438
Instrument clusterAt a glance

BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Ypage 73). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situatio nis
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels fro mlocking.
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. 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 73).
BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in
hazardous situations at speeds greater than
4m ph (7 km/h) and uses radar sensor
technology to assess the traffic situation.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
senso ris 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 the
device 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. BAS PLUS can also react to stationary
obstacles, e.g. stopped or parked vehicles, at
speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
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
For speeds above 20 mph (30 km/h): if
you apply the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS
automatically increases the braking force
to a level suitable for the traffic conditions.
R For speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h): if
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.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally againi f:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longe rany dange rofarear-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
rada rsensor system must be switched on and
operational; see "Rada rsensor system" in the
index. G
WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic
situations. In these cases, Adaptive Brake
Assist may not intervene. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. 74
Driving safet
ysystemsSafety

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 radars ources
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
relative to the center of your vehicle G
WARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As aresult, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all
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 fron tend of the
vehicle, have the configuratio nand operation
of the rada rsensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the fron tofthe 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
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 73). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with the rear axle raised, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 491).
ESP ®
is deactivated if the 0013warning lamp
in the instrumentc luster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the 000C warning lamp and the 0013
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 431) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrumen tcluster
(Y page 391).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
fro mt he direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. 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 000CESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrumentc luster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weathe rconditions. Driving safety systems
75Safety Z

i
Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 73). G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To deactivate:(Y page 386).
The 0013 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
S 63 AMG: deactivate ESP ®
when driving
on designated roads when the vehicle's
own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desired. Driving without
ESP ®
requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver who is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
X To activate:(Y page 386).
The 0013 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. ESP
®
is activated automaticallyw hen the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the 000CESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited, and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 73). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have 76
Driving safety systemsSafety

immediately prior to an accident that can no
longer be avoided.
G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will initially brak eyour
vehicle by a partial application of the brakes
if a danger of collision is detected. There may
be a collision unless you also brake.
Automatic emergenc ybraking cannot prevent
a collision. There is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself and try to
take evasive action. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic
conditions.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R not give a warning or 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 ®
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 rada rsources
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
relative to the center of your vehicle G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles R
to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may neither
give warnings nor intervene in all 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.
X To activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer (Y page 386).
After activation, the 0001symbol 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 389) and be
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.
i USA only: This device has been approved
by the FCC as a "Vehicular RadarS ystem".
The rada rsensor 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 the device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and 78
Driving safet
ysystemsSafety

Combination switch
Turn signals 0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Right tur nsignal
0026 High-beam flasher
0025 Left turn signal
X To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow 0003or0025.
The corresponding tur nsignal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow 0003or0025.
High-beam headlamps X
To switch on th ehigh-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000A.
X Press the combination switc hbeyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow 0002.
The 0009 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
X To switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The 0009 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. High-beam flasher X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1or 2or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow 0026. Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down rapidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.
X To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button 0002.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button 0002.
If the vehicle returns to a speed of over
6m ph (10 km/h) after a full application of the
brakes, the hazard warning lamps are
deactivated automatically.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Exterior lighting
283Lights and windshield wipers Z

G
WARNING
If the engine is switched off and the ECO
symbol is show ningreen in the multifunction
display, the engine has been switched off
automatically. All of the vehicle's systems
remain active. If you open the door, unfasten
your seat belt or remove your foot from the
brake pedal, the engine will automatically
start. The vehicle may begi nmoving. You
could suffer serious or even fatal injury or
cause an accident resulting in injury or death.
Never leave the vehicle while the ECO symbol
in the multifunction display is shown in green
or yellow .Always secure the vehicle against
rolling away before leaving it.
! Always switch the ignition off and take the
key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Automatic engine switch-off The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is
braked to a standstill and the brake remains
depressed with the transmission in position
D or N.
i You can still activate the HOLD function
when the vehicle is stationary, even if the
engine has been switched off
automatically. It is then not necessary to
continue applying the brakes during the
automatic stop phase. When you depress
the accelerator pedal, the engine starts
automatically and the braking effect of the
HOL Dfunction is deactivated. Depress the
accelerato rpedal carefully, as the engine
must be started first.
The engine is only switched off if:
R the outside temperature is within the range
which is suitable for the system.
R the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
R the battery is sufficiently charged. R
the system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the hood is closed.
R no engine-relevant diagnostics are active.
R the driver's door is closed and the seat belt
is fastened.
Automatic engine start The engine is started automatically if you:
R
release the brake pedal when HOLD is not
activated and the transmission is in
position Dor N
R shift the transmission to position R
R depress the accelerator pedal
R switch off the ECO start/stop function or
switch to drive program Sor M
R unfasten your seat belt or open the driver's
door
The engine is also started automatically if:
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the system detects moisture on the
windshield when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior
deviates from the set range.
R the charge level of the battery is too low.
Deactivating/activating the ECO start/
stop function General notes
You can deactivate and activate the ECO
start/stop function using COMAND
(Y
page 265).
i You can also use the programmable
button (Y page 124) to activate and
deactivate the ECO start/stop function if
you have assigned this function to the
button. Driving
311Driving and parking Z