power steering MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2016 Owners Manual

Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 283
Notes ............................................. 430
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 291
Brake pedal
Pedal resistance/pedal travel .......... 44
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 68
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 72
BAS .................................................. 69
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist ............................................... 69
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 430
Display message ............................ 278
EBD .................................................. 75
High-performance brake system .... 196
Hill start assist ............................... 165
HOLD function ............................... 208
Important safety notes .................. 194
Maintenance .................................. 195
Parking brake ................................ 190
RBS warning lamp .......................... 315
Recuperative Brake System ............. 44
Riding tips ...................................... 194
Warning lamp ................................. 315
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 367
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 35
Buttons on the steering wheel ......... 257
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Camera
see 360° camera see Rear view camera
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 363
Car wash ........................................ 359
Carpets .......................................... 366
Display ........................................... 364
Exhaust pipe .................................. 363
Exterior lights ................................ 362
Gear or selector lever .................... 365
General notes ................................ 359
Interior ........................................... 364
Matte finish ................................... 361
Night View Assist Plus ................... 364
Paint .............................................. 361
Plastic trim .................................... 364
Power washer ................................ 360
Rear view camera .......................... 363
Roof lining ...................................... 366
Seat belt ........................................ 366
Seat cover ..................................... 365
Sensors ......................................... 362
Steering wheel ............................... 365
Trim pieces .................................... 365
Washing by hand ........................... 360
Wheels ........................................... 361
Windows ........................................ 362
Wiper blades .................................. 362
Wooden trim .................................. 365
CD player (on-board computer) ........ 266
Center console
Overview .......................................... 37
Stowage space .............................. 326
Center console in the rear com-
partment
Stowage compartment .................. 327
Central locking
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 79
Changing the media source ............. 265
Charging
see Charging the high-voltage bat-
tery (important safety notes)
Charging cable
Connecting .................................... 185
Controls ......................................... 183
Important safety notes .................. 183
Indicator lamp ................................ 184 Index 5

Control panel .................................. .4 0
Display message ............................ 310
Emergency locking ........................... 88
Emergency unlocking ....................... 87
Important safety notes .................... 85
Opening (from inside) ...................... 86
Power closing .................................. 87
Drinking and driving ......................... 193
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 174
Manual ........................................... 174
Manual (Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 175
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 276
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 358
Driving Assistance package ............. 234
Driving on flooded roads .................. 196
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 68
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 75
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 72
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 69
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist ............................................... 69
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS ................................................ 71
Distance warning function ............... 71
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 75
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 73
Important safety information ........... 68
Overview .......................................... 68
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 75
Recuperative Brake System ............. 44
STEER CONTROL ............................. 77
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 224
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 234
Active Body Control ABC ............... 210
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 237
Active Parking Assist ..................... 216
AIRMATIC ...................................... 212
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 228 Cruise control ................................ 197
Display message ............................ 299
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 199
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering
Assist and Stop&Go Pilot ............... 207
Driving Assistance package ........... 234
HOLD fu ncti on ............................... 208
Night View Assist Plus ................... 230
PARKTRONIC ................................. 214
Rear view camera .......................... 220
Traffic Sign Assist .......................... 229
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 196
Automatic transmission ................. 173
Brakes ........................................... 194
Break-in period .............................. 161
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 205
Downhill gradient ........................... 194
Drinking and driving ....................... 193
Driving in winter ............................. 196
Driving on flooded roads ................ 196
Driving on wet roads ...................... 196
Exhaust check ............................... 193
Fuel ................................................ 192
General .......................................... 192
Hydroplaning ................................. 196
Icy road surfaces ........................... 196
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 195
Snow chains .................................. 386
Subjecting brakes to a load ........... 194
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 161
Wet road surface ........................... 194
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 267
E
EASY-ENTRY feature
Function/notes ............................. 122
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 123
Function/notes ............................. 122
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 280
Function/notes ................................ 758
Index

Problems with "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey" Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
"Pre-entry climate con-
trol via SmartKey" can-
not be switched on or
has switched itself off. The condition of charge of the high-voltage battery is under the speci-
fied minimum condition of charge. X
Start the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill.
The engine powers the electric motor. The electric motor operates
as a generator. The high-voltage battery is being charged.
Further information on charging the high-voltage battery via: R
a mains socket ( Y
page 183)R
a charging station ( Y
page 186)R
a wallbox ( Y
page 185)
"Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey" has been started more than
twice with the engine switched off. X
Switch on the engine and let it run for more than ten seconds. X
Try again to switch on "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey".
Pre-entry climate control at time of
departure
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
General notes The "Pre-entry climate control at departure
time" function is only available in PLUG-IN
HYBRID vehicles.
You can use the "Pre-entry climate control at
departure time" function to cool or heat the
vehicle interior if the engine is not running.
The "Pre-entry climate control at departure
time" function can be activated regardless of
whether or not the vehicle is connected to an
electric power supply. The condition of charge of
the high-voltage battery must be higher than the
specified minimum condition of charge, how-
ever.
When the vehicle is connected to an electric
power supply, priority is given to charging the
high-voltage battery to the specified minimum charge. "Pre-entry climate control at departure
time" is only activated subsequently.
The running time of the "Pre-entry climate con-
trol at departure time" function may be reduced
if: R
the vehicle is not connected to an electric
power supply and R
the high-voltage battery is not fully charged
With active "Pre-entry climate control at depar-
ture time" the condition of charge of the high-
voltage battery can be reduced, even if the
charge cable connector is connected.
When the vehicle is cooled, the following func-
tions are activated if required: R
Climate control system R
Blower R
Seat ventilation
When the vehicle is heated, the following func-
tions are activated if required: R
Climate control system R
Blower R
Seat heating R
Steering wheel heating R
Armrest heating R
Exterior mirror heating R
Rear window defroster
If you have switched on the perfume atomizer or
the ionization using the multimedia system,Operating the climate control systems 157
Climate control Z

G WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G WARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can: R
overheat and cause a fire R
lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
! Do not warm up the engine with the vehicle
stationary. Drive off immediately. Avoid high
engine speeds and driving at full throttle until
the engine has reached its operating temper-
ature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to the
desired drive position when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery roads.
You could otherwise damage the drive train.
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles: at low engine oil
temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the max-
imum engine speed is restricted in order to
protect the engine. To protect the engine and
maintain smooth engine operation, avoid driv-
ing at full throttle when the engine is cold.
Observe the important safety notes for PLUG-IN
HYBRID vehicles ( Y
page 42). SmartKey positions
SmartKey
Z
To remove the SmartKey G
Power supply for some consumers, such as
the windshield wipers H
Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position I
To start the engine
The SmartKey can be turned in the ignition lock
even if it is not the correct SmartKey for the
vehicle. The ignition is not switched on. The
engine cannot be started.
Start/Stop button
General notes All vehicles are equipped with a removable
Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the Smartkey must be in the
vehicle.
When you insert the Start/Stop button into the
ignition lock, the system needs approximately
two seconds recognition time. You can then use
the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times in
succession corresponds to the different key
positions in the ignition lock. This is only the
case if you are not depressing the brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the Smart-
Key determines whether a valid SmartKey is in
the vehicle. This occurs, for example, when
starting the engine.162
Driving
Driving and parking

R
the seat belt has been fastened R
you depress the accelerator pedal
If the automatic transmission is in position R ,
the trunk lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake: R
the driver's door is closed. R
you have shifted out of transmission position
P or you have previously driven faster than
2 mph (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the accelerator
pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the parking
brake will be released and the vehicle will start
to move.
Emergency braking The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the electric parking brake. X
While driving, push handle C of the electric
parking brake ( Y
page 190).
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
handle C of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer electric parking brake
handle C is depressed, the greater the brak-
ing force.
During braking: R
a warning tone sounds R
the Please Release Parking Brake mes-
sage appears R
the red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: observe the impor-
tant safety notes for the high-voltage battery
( Y
page 374). Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while
driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per sec-
ond.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X
The tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure. X
Remove unnecessary loads. X
Remove roof racks when they are not needed. X
Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X
Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-192
Driving tips
Driving and parking

The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the HOLD function is activated
when the vehicle is stationary and: R
a system malfunction occurs. R
the power supply is not sufficient.
If a malfunction in the electric parking brake
occurs, then the transmission may also be shif-
ted into position P automatically.
MAGIC BODY CONTROL
General notes MAGIC BODY CONTROL consists of Active Body
Control (ABC), ROAD SURFACE SCAN as well as
automatic vehicle stabilization in the event of a
crosswind.
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride height
to improve driving safety and reduce fuel con-
sumption. The suspension mode is adjusted
according to your selection (sports or comfort),
the road surface conditions and the vehicle load.
A multifunction camera detects bumps in the
road surface before the vehicle drives over
them. This reduces chassis movements.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or
in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches
when the vehicle is being lowered.
! The vehicle is lowered when the engine is
switched off. When parking, position your
vehicle so that it does not make contact with
the curb as the vehicle is lowered. Your vehi-
cle could otherwise be damaged.
Crosswind Assist
The crosswind stabilization operates by chang-
ing wheel loads through adjusting the ABC
spring struts. It reduces impairments in handling
when driving in a straight line and assists during
countersteering. Crosswind Assist is active in the speed range
between 50 mph (80 km/ h) and
130 mph (210 km/h) when driving straight
ahead or cornering gently.
Active Body Control ABC Vehicle level All vehicles except AMG vehicles: depending
on the vehicle level that has been set, the vehi-
cle automatically adjusts its height dependent
on the current speed. The vehicle is lowered by
up to 0.6 in (15 mm ) as the speed increases. As
the speed is reduced, the vehicle is raised up to
the set vehicle height.
AMG vehicles: depending on the vehicle level
that has been selected, the vehicle automati-
cally adjusts its height dependent on the current
speed. The vehicle is lowered by up to 0.4 in
(10 mm) below the normal level as the speed
increases. As the speed is reduced, the vehicle
is raised up to the set vehicle height.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road con-
ditions and "Raised" for driving with snow chains
or in particularly poor road conditions.
Setting the vehicle level X
To raise the vehicle: press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.X
To lower the vehicle: press button C again.
Indicator lamp D goes out.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Suspension tuning
The electronically controlled ABC suspension
system detects the vehicle level and the vehicle
load and adjusts the setting accordingly. You
can also choose between a particularly sporty or
a comfortable tuning.210
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Activating when driving with the electric motor: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 174).
The combustion engine is switched on. Man-
ual drive program M is temporarily activated.
The selected gear and M appear in the multi-
function display.
Activating when driving with the combustion
engine: X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 174).
Manual drive program M is temporarily acti-
vated. The selected gear and M appear in the
multifunction display.
The ECO start/stop function is not available in
manual drive program M .
Haptic accelerator pedal General notes The haptic accelerator pedal helps you to
reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of
your vehicle.
There are two different functions available for
this purpose: R
an additional point of resistance in E-MODE
operating mode ( Y
page 243)R
a double impulse in E+ operating mode
( Y
page 250)
Additional point of resistance in the hap-
tic accelerator pedal The maximum available electric performance is
indicated by a tangible point of resistance in the
haptic accelerator pedal.
The additional point of resistance is available in
E-MODE operating mode ( Y
page 243).
If you depress the haptic accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point, the combustion
engine is switched on.
Double pulses in the haptic accelerator
pedal
A tangible double pulse in the haptic accelerator
pedal gives you a recommendation to release
the accelerator pedal. The combustion engine
can switch off and be disconnected from the
drive train (overrun mode).
The double pulse is available in drive program E+
( Y
page 250). After the accelerator pedal has been released,
the coasting characteristics of the vehicle are
adapted to the traffic conditions.
To avo id getting too close to the vehicle in front,
y
ou must apply the brakes manually when nec-
essary.
Driving tips General driving tips Drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. Avoid frequent and
sudden acceleration as well as abrupt braking.
During partial electric driving, pulling away and
acceleration, the electric motor supports the
internal combustion engine.
During overrun in transmission position D and
braking, the electric motor will operate as a gen-
erator.
Further information on the ECO start/stop func-
tion ( Y
page 252).
Additional driving tips ( Y
page 192).
Stationary vehicle If the vehicle is stopped, the combustion engine
is, for the most part, switched off. Automatic
climate control continues to function. The elec-
tromechanically assisted steering gear allows
you to use the power steering without reduced
comfort.
Acceleration Depending on the operating mode, pulling away
and driving under low load conditions are per-
formed: R
entirely by electric propulsion R
in combination with the internal combustion
engine
When accelerating at an increased or full load,
boost mode is utilized. The electric motor sup-
ports the internal combustion engine by provid-
ing additional torque when the accelerator is
depressed rapidly.
Overrun mode or braking
There are three possible operating modes when
the hybrid vehicle is decelerating: R
energy recovery takes place even when the
vehicle is decelerating purely in overrun mode
( Y
page 240). The electric motor operates asPLUG ‑ IN HYBRID operation 251
Driving an d parking Z

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

Transporting the vehicle
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles Transportation of the vehicle should only be car-
ried out by professional recovery companies.
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission
! When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur-
poses. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
N .
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded: X
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake. X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P .X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition
lock and remove it. X
Secure the vehicle. Notes on 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away
with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P . To shift
the automatic transmission to position N , you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
( Y
page 376).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
i Information on "Jump-starting"
( Y
page 376).
Fuses
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher amper-
age, the electric cables could be overloaded.
This could result in a fire. There is a risk of an
accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the
same rating, which you can recognize by the
color and value. The fuse ratings are listed in the
fuse allocation chart.
The fuse allocation chart is on the fuse box in the
trunk ( Y
page 381). Fuses 381
Breakdown assistance Z