key MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2016 Owners Manual

Checking the oil level using the on-board computer (S 600 and Mercedes-AMG S 65
models) X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition lock.X
Use

X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock ( Y
page 162).
or X
Press Start/Stop button twice ( Y
page 162).X
Check the coolant temperature display in the
instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †). X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 ( Y
page 162)
in the ignition lock.
or X
Remove Start/Stop button from ignition lock
( Y
page 162). X
Slowly turn cap C counter-clockwise and to
relieve excess pressure. X
Turn cap C further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar

Care
General notes
H Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any of
the following: R
dry, rough or hard cloths R
abrasive cleaning agents R
solvents R
cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective films
with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper.
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after cleaning.
Braking heats the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
G WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored. ! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is
activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in
certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that: R
the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed. R
the ventilation/heating is switched off (the
OFF button has been pressed). R
the windshield wiper switch is at position 0 .R
the 360° camera or rear view camera is
switched off.
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the trunk: R
using a car wash R
using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 10 ft
(3 m ) away from the vehicle.
! Make sure that the automatic transmission
is in neutral position N when washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehicle
may otherwise be damaged. R
Operating with the SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door
when the engine is switched off or at very
low speeds. Otherwise, when in transmis-
sion position D or R the automatic trans-
mission will automatically switch to park
position P and block the wheels. R
Operating with the Start/Stop button:
Do not open the driver's door when the
engine is switched off or at very low
speeds. Otherwise, when in transmission
position D or R the automatic transmission
will automatically switch to park position P
and block the wheels. Care 359
Maintenance and care Z

Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N neu-
tral:
Operating with the SmartKey: X
Make sure that the ignition is switched on. X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake, if neces-
sary. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Operating with the Start/Stop button: X
Make sure that the ignition is switched on. X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Engage park position P .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Remove Start/Stop button from ignition lock
( Y
page 162).X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress and hold the brake pedal. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake, if neces-
sary. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each country. X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight. X
Use a soft sponge to clean. X
Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz. X
Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water. X
Do not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlet. X
Use plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently. X
Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois. X
Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-
work.
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Power washers
G WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about the
correct distance is available from the equip-
ment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following: R
tires R
door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc. R
electrical components R
battery R
connectors R
lights R
seals R
trim R
ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components can
lead to leaks or failures.360
Care
Maintenance and care

! If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the trunk: R
using a car wash R
using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 10 ft
(3 m) away from the vehicle.
Cleaning the paintwork
! Do not affix: R
stickers R
films R
magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by
corrosion and damage caused by inadequate
care cannot always be completely repaired. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop. X
Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard. X
Soak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards. X
Soak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards. X
Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils,
fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter
fluid. X
Use tar remover to remove tar stains. X
Use silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products recommen-
ded and approved by Mercedes-Benz. This is the
case approximately every three to five months,
depending on the climate conditions and the
care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if the
paint has become dull, the paint cleaner recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz
should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or on
the hood while the hood is hot. X
Use a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-
Up Stick, to repair slight damage to the paint-
work quickly and provisionally. Matte finish care
! Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
! The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect: R
strong rubbing of the paintwork with
unsuitable materials R
frequent use of automatic car washes R
washing the vehicle in direct sunlight
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing
products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax. These
products are only suitable for high-gloss sur-
faces. Their use on vehicles with matte finish
leads to considerable surface damage (shiny,
mottled areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clear
matte finish. This will help you to avoid damage
to the paintwork due to incorrect treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels with
a clear matte finish.
The vehicle should preferably be washed by
hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo and
plenty of water.
Use only insect remover and car shampoo from
the range of approved Mercedes-Benz care
products.
Cleaning the vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels
G WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately. Care 361
Maintenance and care Z

about the correct distance is available from
the equipment manufacturer.
X
Clean sensors C of the driving systems with
water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.
Cleaning the rear view camera
! Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the rear view camera with a power
washer.
X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the igni-
tion lock. X
To open the cover of the rear view camera:
with the multimedia system activated, call up
the vehicle menu: press the

winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may be obtained from
a qualified specialist workshop.
Information on changing and mounting wheels
( Y
page 405). X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic. X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps. X
Secure the vehicle against rolling away
( Y
page 189).X
If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position. X
Switch off the engine. X
Open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0 .
This is the same as the SmartKey having been
removed. X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock ( Y
page 162).
or, if the SmartKey is inserted in the ignition
lock: X
Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. X
Make sure that the engine cannot be started
via your smartphone ( Y
page 164).X
Make sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so. Make sure that no one is
near the danger area while a wheel is being
changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting
in the wheel change should, for example,
stand behind the barrier. X
Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so. X
Close the driver's door.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi-
cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one
or more tires. The affected tire must not show
any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize MOExtended tires by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking
next to the tire size designation, the load-bear-
ing capacity and the speed index ( Y
page 400). MOExtended tires may only be used in conjunc-
tion with an active tire pressure loss warning
system or with an active tire pressure monitor.
If a pressure loss warning message appears
in the multifunction display: R
observe the instructions in the display mes-
sages ( Y
page 306). R
check the tire for damage. R
if driving on, observe the following notes.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is
approximately 50 miles (80 km) when the vehi-
cle is partially laden. When the vehicle is fully
laden it is approximately 19 miles (30 km).
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving dis-
tance possible depends upon: R
vehicle speed R
road condition R
outside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving conditions
or maneuvers, or it can be increased through a
moderate style of driving.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is
counted from the moment the tire pressure loss
warn ing appears in t h
e multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
When replacing one or all tires, please observe
the following specifications for your vehicle's
tires: R
size R
the type and R
the "MOExtended" mark
If a tire has gone flat and cannot be replaced
with a MOExtended tire, a standard tire may be
used as a temporary measure. Make sure that
you use the proper size and type (summer or
winter tire).
Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires are
not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you additionally
equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you mount
tires that do not feature run-flat properties, e.g.
winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may be obtained from
a qualified specialist workshop.368
Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

Remove th e SmartKey if you park th e vehicl e
and do no t require any electrical consumers.
The vehicl e will then use ver y littl e energy, thus
conserving battery power .
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if th e battery
charge is sufficient, th e high-voltage battery can
also suppl y th e 12 V battery. This only happens
if th e condition of charge of th e 12 V battery
require s this, e.g. after usin g electrical consum-
ers for an extended period wit h th e engin e
switched off . As th e on-board voltag e is contin-
uously monitore d this can also be performed
when th e engin e is switched off . The condition of
charge of th e 12 V battery and th e on-board
voltag e are thereby kept stable for a longer
period.
High-voltage battery – important
safety notes Only PLUG-I N HYBRID vehicles are equipped
wit h a high-voltage battery.
G DANGER
The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is
under high voltage. If you modify component s
in th e vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
or touch damaged components, you may be
electrocuted. The component s in th e vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system may be
damaged in an accident, althoug h th e damag e
is no t visible. There is a ris k of fatal injury.
Followin g an accident, do no t touch any high -
voltag e component s and never modify th e
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system. Hav e
th e vehicl e towed away after an acciden t and
th e vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
checke d by a qualified specialist workshop.
G WARNIN G
In th e event of a vehicl e fire, th e internal pres-
sur e of th e high-voltage battery can exceed a
critical value . In this cas e flammabl e gas
escapes throug h a ventilation valv e on th e
underbody. The gas can ignite. There is a ris k
of injury.
Leav e th e danger zone immediately. Secur e
th e danger area at a suitable distance, whils t
observing legal requirements . G WARNIN G
If th e housing of th e high-voltage battery has
been damaged, electrolyt e and gase s may
leak out . These are poisonous and caustic.
There is a ris k of injury.
Avoid contact wit h skin, eyes or clothing .
Immediately rinse electrolyt e splashes off
wit h water and seek medical attention
straight away.
! Exhaustive discharge caused by th e vehicl e
standing idle for lengthy periods can damag e
th e high-voltage battery. If th e vehicl e is idle
for lengthy periods leav e th e high-voltage bat -
tery connecte d to a charging station .
Consult an authorize d Mercedes-Benz Cente r if
you wish to leav e your vehicl e parked for a lon g
period of time.
Charging the 12 V battery Mercedes-AM G vehicles:
! Only use battery chargers wit h a maximum
charging voltag e of 14.4 V.
All other vehicles:
G WARNIN G
During charging and jump-starting , explosive
gase s can escape from th e battery. There is a
ris k of an explosion .
Particularly avoi d fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensur e there is sufficien t
ventilation while charging and jump-starting .
Do no t lean ove r a battery.
G WARNIN G
Battery acid is caustic. There is a ris k of injury.
Avoid contact wit h skin, eyes or clothing . Do
no t inhale any battery gases. Do no t lean ove r
th e battery. Kee p children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately wit h
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten -
tion .
G WARNIN G
A discharged battery can freez e at tempera-
tures belo w freezing point. When jump-start -374
Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points: R
The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-
start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device. R
You may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold. R
All vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles: do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let
the battery thaw first. R
Only jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating. R
Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps. R
If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected for
a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly. R
Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that: R
the jumper cables are not damaged. R
when the jumper cables are connected to the battery, uninsulated sections of the terminal clamp
do not come into contact with o ther metal sections.R
the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts which can move when the engine is
running, such as the V-belt pulley or the fan. X
Secure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Make sure that the ignition is switched off. All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster must be
off. When using the SmartKey, turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock and remove it
( Y
page 162). X
Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g. rear window defroster, lighting, etc. X
Open the hood.
Example: ground point cover X
Turn fasteners C one

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if: R
the engine is not running. R
the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning. R
there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
G WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the: R
the towing eye could detach itself R
the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate ( Y
page 426).
! When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically
in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop. ! Secure the tow rope or tow bar to the towing
eye only. Otherwise, the vehicle could
become damaged.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery pur-
poses as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recove r the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
! Shift the automatic transmission to N and
do not open the driver's or front passenger's
door during towing. The automatic transmis-
sion may otherwise shift to position P , which
could damage the transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
N when the vehicle is being towed.
If the automatic transmission cannot be shifted
to position N , have the vehicle transported on a
transporter or trailer.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you: R
cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock R
cannot release the electric parking brake R
cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the
vehicle is towed ( Y
page 87). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles:Towing and tow-starting 379
Breakdown assistance Z