engine MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2016 User Guide

Switching on/off ........................... 131
Start/Stop button
General notes ................................ 162
Key positions ................................. 163
Removing ....................................... 163
Starting the engine ........................ 164
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine) ................................ 164
STEER CONTROL .................................. 77
Steering
Display message ............................ 311
Warning lamps ............................... 324
Steering Assist
see DISTRONIC PLUS
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot
(DISTRONIC PLUS)
Display message ............................ 305
Steering assistant STEER CON-
TROL
see STEER CONTROL
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically) ................... 120
Button overview ............................... 35
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 257
Cleaning ......................................... 365
EASY ENTRY/EXIT feature ............. 122
Important safety notes .................. 120
Paddle shifters ............................... 174
Steering wheel heating .................. 120
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 126
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction) ................... 122
Switching on/off ........................... 120
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 174
Stop&Go Pilot
see DISTRONIC PLUS
Stowage areas ................................... 325
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................. 327
Center console .............................. 326
Center console in rear compart-
ment .............................................. 327
Cup holders ................................... 330
Door ............................................... 327
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 326
Glove box ....................................... 326 Important safety information ......... 325
Rear ............................................... 327
Rear seat backrest ......................... 328
Stowage net ................................... 329
see Stowage areas
Stowage net ....................................... 329
Stowage space
Folding table .................................. 328
Parcel net retainers ....................... 329
Securing a load .............................. 329
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 329
Summer tires
In w i
nter ........................................ 386
Sun visor ............................................ 333
Suspension mode
Active Body Control ABC ............... 210
Suspension setting
AIRMATIC ...................................... 212
Suspension settings
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 276
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 152
T
Tachometer ........................................ 256
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 292
see Lights
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 33
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 427
Information .................................... 425
Tires/wheels ................................. 410
Vehicle data ................................... 433
Telephone
Accepting a call (multifunction
steering wheel) .............................. 267
Display message ............................ 311
Introduction ................................... 267
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 267
Number from the phone book ........ 268
Redialing ........................................ 268
Rejecting/ending a call ................. 268
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 257 Index 19

Coolant (on-board computer) ........ .2 69
Engine oil (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. .2 75
Outside temperature ..................... .2 57
Setting (climate control) ................ 148
Transmission oil (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 275
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 390
Checking manually ........................ 390
Display message ............................ 306
Maximum ....................................... 390
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 370
Notes ............................................. 389
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 371
Recommended ............................... 387
Tire pressure loss warning system
General notes ................................ 393
Important safety notes .................. 393
Restarting ...................................... 394
Tire pressure monitor
Checking the tire pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 392
Function/notes ............................ .3 90
General notes ................................ 390
Important safety notes .................. 391
Radio type approval for the tire
pressure monitor ........................... 393
Restarting ...................................... 392
Warning lamp ................................. 323
Warning message .......................... 392
TIREFIT kit
Important safety notes .................. 369
Storage location ............................ 367
Tire pressure not reached .............. 370
Tire pressure reached .................... 371
Using ............................................. 369
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) ................. 404
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 403
Bar (definition) ............................... 403
Changing a wheel .......................... 405
Characteristics .............................. 403
Checking ........................................ 385
Curb weight (definition) ................. 404
Definition of terms ......................... 403
Direction of rotation ...................... 405 Displa y message ............................ 306
Di stribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 405
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 403
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 402
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 403
General notes ................................ 410
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) ........................................... 403
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 404
Important safety notes .................. 384
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 403
Information on driving .................... 384
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 404
Labeling (overview) ........................ 400
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 405
Load index ..................................... 402
Load index (definition) ................... 404
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 404
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 404
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 404
Maximum tire load ......................... 402
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 404
MOExtended tires .......................... 386
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 404
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ........................................... 404
Replacing ....................................... 405
Service life ..................................... 385
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 404
Snow chains .................................. 386
Speed rating (definition) ................ 403
Storing ........................................... 405
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 403
Summer tires in winter .................. 386
Temperature .................................. 399
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 40420
Index

Tire bead (definition) ...................... 404
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 404
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 403
Tire size (data) ............................... 410
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 400
Tire tread ....................................... 385
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 404
Total load limit (definition) ............. 405
Traction ......................................... 399
Traction (definition) ....................... 405
Tread wear ..................................... 399
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 398
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 403
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 405
Wheel and tire combination ........... 412
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 403
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 381
Important safety notes .................. 379
Towing a trailer
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 74
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 379
Installing the towing eye ................ 380
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 381
Removing the towing eye ............... 380
Transporting the vehicle ................ 381
With both axles on the ground ....... 380
Towing eye ......................................... 367
Traffic Sign Assist
Activating ....................................... 229
Display message ............................ 303
Function/notes ............................. 229
Important safety notes .................. 229
Instrument cluster display ............. 230
Switching on/off ........................... 270
Transfer case ..................................... 177
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 381 Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 365
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 262
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 261
Resetti ng ( on-board computer) ...... 263
Trun
k
Emergency release .......................... 93
Important safety notes .................... 88
Locking separately ........................... 93
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 92
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 90
Opening/closing (from outside,
HANDS-FREE ACCESS) .................... 91
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 89
Power closing .................................. 87
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 309
Obstacle recognition ........................ 89
Opening dimensions ...................... 433
Opening/closing .............................. 88
Trunk load (maximum) ...................... 433
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 291
Switching on/off ........................... 131
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 425
Installation ..................................... 425
Transmission output (maximum) .... 425
Windshield (infrared reflective) ...... 351
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 87
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 86
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 275Index 21

VVanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 333
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 29
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 308
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 269
Limited Warranty ............................. 29
Loading .......................................... 394
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 79
Lowering ........................................ 409
Maintenance .................................... 26
Operating safety .............................. 27
Parking .......................................... 189
Parking for a long period ................ 192
Pulling away ................................... 165
Raising ........................................... 406
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 406
Towing away .................................. 379
Transporting .................................. 381
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 87
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 79
Vehicle data ................................... 433
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 433
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 88
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 426
Vehicle level
Active Body Control ABC ............... 210
AIRMATIC ...................................... 212
Display message ............................ 300
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 367
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 267
VIN
Type plate ...................................... 426
W
Warning
Stickers ........................................... 42
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 316 Brakes ........................................... 315
Check Engine ................................. 320
Coolant .......................................... 320
Distance warning ........................... 322
ESP ®
.............................................. 317
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 319
Fuel tank ........................................ 320
General notes ................................ 313
Hybrid drive system ....................... 315
Overview .......................................... 34
Parking brake ................................ 319
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 46
RBS (Recuperative Brake Sys-
tem) ............................................... 315
Reserve fuel ................................... 320
Restraint system ............................ 319
Seat belt ........................................ 313
Steering ......................................... 324
Tire pressure monitor .................... 323
Warranty .............................................. 25
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 311
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 412
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 409
Wheel chock ...................................... 406
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 405
Checking ........................................ 385
Cleaning ......................................... 361
General notes ................................ 410
Important safety notes .................. 384
Information on driving .................... 384
Interchanging/changing ................ 405
Mounting a new wheel ................... 409
Mounting a wheel .......................... 406
Removing a wheel .......................... 408
Snow chains .................................. 386
Storing ........................................... 405
Tightening torque ........................... 409
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 410
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 288
Operation ......................................... 53
Windows
see Side windows22
Index

Protection of the environment
General notes
H Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected
by these factors: R
operating conditions of your vehicle R
your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions: R
avoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption. R
always make sure that the tire pressures
are correct. R
do not carry any unnecessary weight. R
remove roof racks once you no longer need
them. R
a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals. R
always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style: R
do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine. R
do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary. R
drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. R
avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to

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 pre-
sumed 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 Pro-
gram offers technical help in the event of a
breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assis-
tance 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 lit-
erature portfolio.
Change of address or change of own-
ership In the event of a change of address, please send
us the "Notification of Address Change" in the
Service and Guarantee booklet or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCede s(1 -800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in contact-
ing 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.
If you have purchased a used car, please send us
the "Notification of Used Car Purchase" in the
Service and Guarantee booklet or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that: R
service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available. R
unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic converter. R
the fuel may have a considerably lower octane
rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause engine dam-
age.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available for
delivery in Europe through our European Deliv-
ery Program. For details, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or write to one of the
following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department26
Introduction

One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safety
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or
system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as any required repairs
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
G WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk
of fire.
When driving off road or on unpaved roads,
check the vehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove parts of plants or other
flammable materials which have become
trapped. In the case of damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
G WARNING
Modifications to electronic components, their
software as well as wiring can impair their
function and/or the function of other net-
worked components. In particular, systems
relevant to safety could also be affected. As a
result, these may no longer function as inten-
ded and/or jeopardize the operating safety of
the vehicle. There is an increased risk of an
accident and injury.
Never tamper with the wiring as well as elec-
tronic components or their software. You
should have all work to electrical and elec- tronic equipment carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
! There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if: R
the vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
curb or an unpaved road R
you drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb or a hole in the road R
a heavy object strikes the undercarriage or
parts of the chassis
In situations like this, the body, the undercar-
riage, chassis parts, wheels or tires could be
damaged without the damage being visible.
Components damaged in this way can unex-
pectedly fail or, in the case of an accident, no
longer withstand the strain they are designed
to.
If the underbody paneling is damaged, com-
bustible materials such as leaves, grass or
twigs can gather between the underbody and
the underbody paneling. If these materials
come in contact with hot parts of the exhaust
system, they can catch fire.
In such situations, have the vehicle checked
and repaired immediately at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. If on continuing your jour-
ney you notice that driving safety is impaired,
pull over and stop the vehicle immediately,
paying attention to road and traffic condi-
tions. In such cases, consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Hybrid vehicles have a combustion engine and
an electric motor. The voltage supply for oper-
ating the vehicle electrically is provided by the
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system.
G DANGER
The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is
under high voltage. If you modify components
in the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
or touch damaged components, you may be
electrocuted. The components in the vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system may be
damaged in an accident, although the damage
is not visible. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Following an accident, do not touch any high-
voltage components and never modify the
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system. Have
the vehicle towed away after an accident and Introduction 27
Z

the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
checked by a qualified specialist workshop.
The components of the vehicle's high-voltage
electrical system are marked with yellow warn-
ing stickers. The cables of the vehicle's high-
voltage electrical system are orange in color.
Vehicles with an electric motor generate much
less driving noise than vehicles with internal
combustion engines. As a result, your vehicle
may not be heard by other road users in certain
situations. This can happen, for example, when
you are parking and your vehicle is not seen by
other road users. This requires you to adopt a
particularly anticipatory driving style, as it is
necessary to allow for the possibility that other
road users may behave erratically.
Declarations of conformity
Vehicle components which receive
and/or transmit radio waves USA: "The wireless devices of this vehicle com-
ply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the two following two conditions: 1)
These devices may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and 2) These devices must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation. Changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment."
Canada: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) These devices may
not cause interference, and (2) These devices
must accept any interference, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired operation of
the device."
Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended for
the connection of diagnostic equipment at a
qualified specialist workshop.
G WARNING
If you connect equipment to the diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the operation of the vehicle systems. As a result,
the operating safety of the vehicle could be
affected. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to a diagnos-
tics connection in the vehicle.
G WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle is
jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another.
! If the engine is switched off and equipment
on the diagnostics connection is used, the
starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics con-
nection can lead to emissions monitoring infor-
mation being reset, for example. This may lead
to the vehicle failing to meet the requirements of
the next emissions test during the main inspec-
tion.
Qualified specialist workshop An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a quali-
fied specialist workshop. It has the necessary
specialist knowledge, tools and qualifications to
correctly carry out the work required on your
vehicle. This is especially the case for work rel-
evant to safety.
Observe the notes in the Maintenance Booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center: R
work relevant to safety R
service and maintenance work R
repair work R
alterations, installation work and modifica-
tions R
work on electronic components R
work on the hybrid drive system28
Introduction

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific 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 Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops ( Y
page 28).
Hybrid vehicles
General notes Hybrid technology combines a fuel efficient
internal combustion engine with a powerful
electric motor.
Important safety notes
Danger of electric shock
G DANGER
The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is
under high voltage. If you modify components
in the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
or touch damaged components, you may be
electrocuted. The components in the vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system may be
damaged in an accident, although the damage
is not visible. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Following an accident, do not touch any high-
voltage components and never modify the
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system. Have
the vehicle towed away after an accident and
the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
checked by a qualified specialist workshop.
When towing a vehicle after an accident, be sure
to observe the following sections: R
Transporting the vehicle ( Y
page 381)R
Towing a vehicle with both axles on the
ground ( Y
page 380)
Read the safety instructions on towing and tow-
starting ( Y
page 379). All components of the hybrid drive system are
marked with yellow warning stickers that warn
you of the danger of high voltage. The cables of
the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system are
orange in color.
The ignition must be switched off when carrying
out general tasks, such as adding washer fluid to
the windshield washer system or checking the
coolant level.
Automatic switching off of the hybrid
drive system If components of the restraint system are acti-
vated during an accident, the hybrid drive sys-
tem is automatically deactivated.
The hybrid drive system is not activated when
the vehicle is started if: R
an electrical short circuit is detected in the
hybrid drive system R
an electrical connection in the hybrid drive
system is disconnected
This ensures that you do not come into contact
with high voltage.
Manual switching off of the hybrid drive
system The hybrid drive system can be deactivated
manually using the high voltage switch-off
device.
! To prevent damage to the hybrid drive sys-
tem please observe the following instruc-
tions: R
only deactivate the hybrid drive system
manually in the following situations. R
work on the hybrid drive system may only
be carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop, even when it has been deactivated
manually.42
Hybrid vehicles
Safety

Deactivate the hybrid system manually if: R
the u restraint system warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up after an accident R
the vehicle is badly damaged, e.g. after an
accident, and the restraint system compo-
nents were not activated R
the vehicle is badly damaged and has to be
towed or transported X
If possible, move the vehicle out of the
danger zone: shift the automatic transmis-
sion into position N .X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Roll the vehicle to a safe place and park it
safely.
Get assistance from others if necessary.
i The vehicle is locked automatically when
the ignition is switched on and the wheels are
turning. There is therefore a risk of being
locked out if the vehicle is being pushed or
tested on a dynamometer. X
Switch the ignition off. X
Shift the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion P ( Y
page 170).
Depress the electric parking brake
( Y
page 190).
Secure the vehicle against rolling away
( Y
page 406). X
To use the high-voltage switch-off device:
open the trunk lid. X
Lift the trunk floor upwards ( Y
page 329).X
Remove the right-hand paneling in the trunk.
X
Press release clip C in the direction of the
arrow and pull it out. X
Pull the high voltage switch-off device D
apart until it engages in the stop position.
If the hybrid drive system has been deactivated
due to reasons mentioned above, have it checked at a qualified specialist workshop
before reactivation.
High-voltage battery
G WARNING
In the event of a vehicle fire, the internal pres-
sure of the high-voltage battery can exceed a
critical value. In this case flammable gas
escapes through a ventilation valve on the
underbody. The gas can ignite. There is a risk
of injury.
Leave the danger zone immediately. Secure
the danger area at a suitable distance, whilst
observing legal requirements.
G WARNING
If the housing of the high-voltage battery has
been damaged, electrolyte and gases may
leak out. These are poisonous and caustic.
There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Immediately rinse electrolyte splashes off
with water and seek medical attention
straight away.
! Exhaustive discharge caused by the vehicle
standing idle for lengthy periods can damage
the high-voltage battery.
Hybrid vehicles: if the vehicle is idle for
lengthy periods, run it for a few minutes once
every six weeks to charge up the high-voltage
battery. During the charging process, switch
off all electrical consumers, e.g. the auto-
matic climate control or the seat heating.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: make sure that
the high-voltage battery is connected to a
charging station during long periods when the
vehicle is standing idle.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: charging the high-
voltage battery ( Y
page 180).
Engine compartment
Before opening the hood: X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion P . X
Switch the ignition off.Hybrid vehicles 43
Safety Z