level MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2017 Owner's Manual

Problems with the engine Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics. R
There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
Before attempting to start the engine again: X
Turn the SmartKey back to position Z in the ignition lock.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out. X
Try to start the engine again ( Y
page 146). Avoid excessively long
and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain the
battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or
discharged. X
Jump-start the vehicle ( Y
page 335).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high. X
Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine is not running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system. X
Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and damage it. X
Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
The coolant temperature
gauge shows a value
above 248 ‡ (120 †). The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no
longer being cooled sufficiently. X
Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down. X
Check the coolant level ( Y
page 316). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and add coolant if necessary. Driving 151
Driving and parking Z

X
Releas e th e electric parking brake.X
Switc h off th e ignition and leav e th e SmartKey
in th e ignition lock.
The engin e can be switched off in an emergenc y
while th e vehicl e is in motion by pressin g and
holding th e Start/Sto p butto n for three sec -
onds. This function operate s independentl y of
th e ECO start/sto p automatic engin e switch-off
function .
Electric parking brake
General notes
G WARNIN G
If you leav e children unsupervised in th e vehi-
cle , they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release th e parking brake.R
shif t th e automatic transmission out of th e
parking position P .R
start th e engine.
In addition , they may operate vehicl e equip-
men t and become trapped . There is a ris k of
an acciden t and injury.
When leaving th e vehicle, always tak e th e
SmartKey wit h you and loc k th e vehicle. Never
leav e children unsupervised in th e vehicle.
The function of th e electric parking brak e is
dependen t on th e on-board voltage. If th e on -
boar d voltag e is low or there is a malfunction in
th e system, it may no t be possibl e to apply th e
release d parking brake.X
If this is th e case, only park th e vehicl e on
level ground and secure it to preven t it rollin g
away. X
Shift th e automatic transmission to position
P .
It may no t be possibl e to release an applie d
parking brak e if th e on-board voltag e is low or
there is a malfunction in th e system. Contac t a
qualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brak e performs a function
test at regular intervals while th e engin e is
switched off . The sounds that can be hear d while
this is occurrin g are normal. Applying or releasing manually X
To engage: push handle C .
When th e electric parking brak e is applied,
th e red I (US A only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp lights up in th e instru-
men t cluster.
The electric parking brak e can also be applie d
when th e SmartKey is removed. X
To release: pull handle C .
The red I (US A only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in th e instrumen t cluste r
goes out .
The electric parking brak e can only be released:R
when th e SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in th e
ignition loc k ( Y
page 145) or R
if th e ignition was switched on usin g th e
Start/Sto p butto n
Applying automatically The electric parking brak e is automatically
applie d when th e transmission is in position P
and : R
th e engin e is switched off or R
th e driver is no t wearing a seat belt and th e
driver' s door is opened
To preven t th e electric parking brak e from bein g
automatically applied, pull handle C .
The electric parking brak e is also engage d auto -
matically if: R
DISTRONI C PLU S brings th e vehicl e to a
standstill or R
th e HOLD function is keepin g th e vehicl e sta-
tionary R
Active Parking Assis t is keepin g th e vehicl e
stationary Parking 163
Driving and parking Z

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-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in
cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-
rain.
Drinking and driving
G WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs. Emission control
G WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Always have
work on the engine carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop . Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you use an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, work
relevant to safety or on safety-related systems
must be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
The engine settings must not be changed under
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-
Benz service requirements. Details can be found
in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display The ECO display provides feedback on how eco-
nomical your driving characteristics are. The
ECO display assists you in achieving the most
economical driving style for the selected set-
tings and prevailing conditions. Your driving
style can significantly influence the vehicle's
consumption. Driving tips 165
Driving and parking Z

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: the ESP ®
system
operates automatically. The engine and the
ignition must therefore be switched off (the
SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if the electric parking brake
is tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: the ESP ®
sys-
tem operates automatically. The engine and
the ignition must therefore be switched off
(the SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if: R
the electric parking brake is tested using a
brake dynamometer. R
the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 66)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 67).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equiva lent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle. Driving tips 167
Driving and parking Z

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 Mercedes-AMG vehicles: depending on the
vehicle level that has been selected, the vehicle
automatically 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.
All other models: depending on the vehicle
level that has been set, the vehicle 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 vehi-
cle 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.180
Driving systems
Driving and parking

The ABC suspension system is tuned individu-
ally to each wheel and depends on: R
your driving style, e.g. sporty R
the road surface condition, e.g. bumps R
your individual selection, i.e. sports or com-
fort R
the vehicle load R
the force of the side wind
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
SPORT mode ensures even better contact with
the road. The steering response behavior is
sporty. Select this mode when employing a
sporty driving style on flat roads, e.g. on high-
ways.
Selecting the sports suspension setting X
When indicator lamp D is off: press but-
ton C repeatedly until only indicator lamp D
is on.
Sports suspension tuning is selected.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the AMG Suspen‐
sion System SPORT message appears in the
multifunction display.
All other models: the Active Body Con‐
trol SPORT message appears on the multi-
function display.
In COMFORT mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are especially comfortable. The
steering response behavior is balanced. Select
this mode if you favor a comfortable driving
style.
Selecting the comfortable suspension setting X
When indicator lamp D is off: press but-
ton C repeatedly until only indicator lamp D
is on.
Comfortable suspension tuning is selected. Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the AMG Suspen‐
sion System COMFORT message appears in
the multifunction display.
All other models: the Active Body Con‐
trol COMFORT message appears on the mul-
tifunction display.
ROAD SURFACE SCAN
i This function is not available in all countries.
The ROAD SURFACE SCAN function monitors
the road in front of the vehicle using multifunc-
tion camera C at the top of the windshield. This
function is automatically active if you select
comfort suspension tuning. The system is
operational at speeds of up to 81 mph
(130 km/h).
This function allows bumps in the road surface
to be detected before the vehicle drives over
them. The spring struts are then actuated, with
the result that chassis movements are signifi-
cantly reduced when driving over bumps.
The system is deactivated when you select the
raised vehicle level or sports mode.
The system may be impaired or may not function
if: R
the road surface is insufficiently lit R
there is poor visibility, e.g. snow, rain, fog or
spray R
there is glare, e.g. from the sun or from
oncoming traffic R
the windshield is dirty, fogged up or covered,
for instance by a sticker, in the vicinity of the
camera R
the road surface has no texture or is reflec-
tive, e.g. in the case of newly laid asphalt,
concrete slabs or puddles R
the distance to the vehicle in front is too shortDriving systems 181
Driving and parking Z

R
sections of the route have a very small radius
of curvature R
if you accelerate hard or brake sharply
AIRMATIC
General notes AIRMATIC is an air suspension with variable
damping for improved driving comfort. All-round
level control ensures the best possible suspen-
sion and constant ground clearance, even with a
laden vehicle. When you drive fast, the vehicle is
lowered automatically to improve driving safety
and to reduce fuel consumption. There is also
the option to manually adjust the vehicle level.
AIRMATIC consists of level setting, level control
and the Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS.
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.
Vehicle level
Setting the raised vehicle level
It is possible to choose between the "Normal"
and "Raised" vehicle levels. Select the "Normal"
setting for normal road surfaces and "Raised"
for driving with snow chains or on particularly poor road surfaces. Your selection remains
stored even if you remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock. X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is not lit:X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up. The vehicle is
raised by 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to the
normal level.
The Vehicle
Rising message appears in the
multifunction display.
i The message disappears after ten seconds,
irrespective of the level reached. If necessary,
the vehicle is raised further.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you: R
drive at a speed over approximately 75 mph
(120 km/h) R
drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed above 50 mph (80 km/h)
Setting the normal vehicle level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is lit:X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
General notes The Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS auto-
matically controls the calibration of the damp-
ers.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on: R
your driving style, e.g. sporty R
the road surface condition, e.g. bumps R
your individual selection, i.e. sports or com-
fort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
i You can choose between the sporty and
comfortable mode. One of the two modes is
always active.182
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Sports tuning
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
SPORT mode ensures the best possible contact
with the road. Select this mode when employing
a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country
roads.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: X
If indicator lamp D is not lit: press but-
ton C .
Indicator lamp D lights up. If the driving
speed is higher than 75 mph (120 km/h), the
vehicle is automatically lowered by another
0.4 in (10 mm) compared to the normal level
in sport mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
All other models: X
If indicator lamp D is not lit: press but-
ton C .
Indicator lamp D lights up. Sports suspen-
sion tuning is selected. The vehicle is lowered
by 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to the normal
level.
The AIRMATIC
SPORT message appears in the
multifunction display.
Comfort tuning In comfort mode, the driving characteristics of
your vehicle are more comfortable. Therefore,
select this mode if you favor a more comfortable
driving style. Select comfort mode also when
driving fast on straight roads, e.g. on straight
stretches of highway. X
If indicator lamp D is not lit: press but-
ton C .
Indicator lamp D lights up. Comfort tuning is
selected.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the AMG Suspen‐
sion System COMFORT message appears in
the multifunction display.
All other models: the AIRMATIC COMFORT
message appears on the multifunction dis-
play.
If the driving speed is higher than 75 mph
(120 km/h), the vehicle is automatically low-
ered by another 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to the
normal level in comfort mode.
Load compensation The vehicle can compensate differences in the
vehicle level by raising or lowering the axles.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive) 4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are perma-
nently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it improves
the traction of your vehicle whenever a drive
wheel spins due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor override
the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic conditions.
4MATIC is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip: R
Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away. R
Accelerate less when driving.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the transfer case. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must
remain either on the ground or be fully raised.
Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-Driving systems 183
Driving and parking Z

Parking tips: R
On narrow roads, drive as close to the parking
space as possible. R
Parking spaces that are littered or overgrown
might be identified or measured incorrectly. R
Parking spaces that are partially occupied by
trailer drawbars might not be identified as
such or be measured incorrectly. R
Snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately. R
Pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
( Y
page 185) warning messages during the
parking procedure. R
You can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking Assist
will then be canceled R
When transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use Active
Parking Assist. R
Never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed. R
Make sure that the tire pressures are always
correct. This has a direct influence on the
parking characteristics of the vehicle.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces: R
parallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel R
that are on straight roads, not bends R
that are on the same level as the road, e.g. not
on the pavement
Detecting parking spaces Objects located above the height range of Active
Parking Assist will not be detected when the
parking space is measured. These are not taken
into account when the parking procedure is cal-
culated, e.g. overhanging loads, truck over-
hangs or loading ramps.
G WARNING
If there are objects above the detection range: R
Active Park Assist may steer too early R
the vehicle may not stop in front of these
objects
You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident. If objects are located above the detection
range, stop and deactivate Active Parking
Assist.
For further information on the detection range
( Y
page 184).
Active Parking Assist does not assist you park-
ing in spaces at right angles to the direction of
travel if: R
two parking spaces are located directly next
to one another R
the parking space is directly next to a low
obstacle such as a low curb R
you park forwards
Active Parking Assist does not assist you park-
ing in spaces that are parallel or at right angles
to the direction of travel if: R
the parking space is on a curb R
the system reads the parking space as being
blocked, for example by foliage or grass pav-
ing blocks R
the area is too small for the vehicle to maneu-
ver into R
the parking space is bordered by an obstacle,
e.g. a tree, a post or a trailer
C
Detected parking space on the left
D
Parking symbol

R
if the camera lens fogs up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a rapid
change in temperature R
if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed R
if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
The field of vision and other functions of the rear
view camera may be restricted due to additional
accessories on the rear of the vehicle (e.g.
license plate holder, bicycle rack).
The guide lines on the multimedia system show
the distances to your vehicle. The distances only
apply to road level.
The rear view camera is protected from rain-
drops and dust by means of a flap. When the rear
view camera is activated, this flap opens.
The flap closes again when: R
you have finished the maneuvering process R
you switch off the engine R
you open the trunk
Observe the notes on cleaning ( Y
page 323).
For technical reasons, the flap may remain open
briefly after the rear view camera has been
deactivated.
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera X
To activate: make sure that the Activa‐
tion by R gear function is selected in the
multimedia system; see Digital Operator's
Manual. X
Engage reverse gear.
The rear view camera flap opens. The multi-
media system shows the area behind the vehi-
cle with guide lines.
The image from the rear view camera is avail-
able throughout the maneuvering process. X
Shift the transmission to position P .
or X
Drive forwards a short distance. Displays in the multimedia system The rear view camera may show a distorted view
of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all.
The rear view camera does not show objects in
the following positions: R
very close to the rear bumper R
under the rear bumper R
in the area immediately above the handle in
the trunk lid
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.: R
the bumper of a parked vehicle R
the drawbar of a trailer R
the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch R
the rear section of an HGV R
a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bottom-
most guideline.
C
Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle D
White guide line without turning the steering
wheel, vehicle width including the exterior
mirrors (static)