Ac rest MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2017 Repair Manual

D Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you to
move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push
it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position N if the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
: Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D . This automatic gear shifting
behavior is determined by: R
the selected drive program R
the position of the accelerator pedal R
the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear: R
little throttle: early upshifts R
more throttle: late upshifts Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions D and R
can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck
in mud or snow. The vehicle's engine manage-
ment restricts switching between transmission
positions D and R to speeds up to a maximum of
5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth between
transmission positions D and R , move the
DIRECT SELECT lever up and down past the
point of resistance.
Program selector button
X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): press program selector button C to
change the drive program.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display.Automatic transmission 155
Driving an d parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
7G-TRONIC: it is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse
gear.
9G-TRONIC: it is only partly possible to engage the gears or the trans-
mission is in position N .X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
7G-TRONIC: If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second
gear, if R is selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 )
if: R
the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer R
the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission. Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children. Refueling 159
Driving and parking Z

The ECO display consists of three bars: R
Accel. R
Constant R
Coasting
The percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher percentage
indicates a more economical driving style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel
consumption. A fixed percentage count in the
ECO display does not indicate a fixed consump-
tion.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.: R
Load R
Tire pressure R
Cold start R
Choice of route R
Active electrical consumers
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried out
using the following three categories: R
Accel. (evaluation of all acceleration pro-
cesses) -
The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds -
The bar empties: sporty acceleration R
Constant (assessment of driving behavior at
all times) -
The bar fills up: constant speed and avoid-
ance of unnecessary acceleration and
deceleration -
The bar empties: fluctuations in speed R
Coasting (assessment of all deceleration
processes) -
The bar fills up: anticipatory driving, keep-
ing your distance and early release of the
accelerator. The vehicle can coast without
use of the brakes. -
The bar empties: frequent braking
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Accel. and Constant :R
observe the gearshift recommendations. R
drive in drive program E .
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the bar for Constant
will change. The ECO display summarizes the driving char-
acteristics from the start of the journey to its
completion. For this reason, the bars change
dynamically at the beginning of the journey. On
longer journeys, there are fewer changes. For
more dynamic changes, carry out a manual
reset.
Show the ECO display ( Y
page 214).
Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to a
lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking effect.
This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, a
drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g.
on a slippery road surface. This could cause
damage to the drive train. This type of damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz war-
ranty.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.166
Driving tips
Driving and parking

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)

make sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are maneuver-
ing.
You are always responsible for safety, and must
always pay attention to your surroundings when
parking and maneuvering. This applies to the
areas behind, in front of and beside the vehicle.
You could otherwise endanger yourself and oth-
ers.
The 360° camera will not function or will func-
tion in a limited manner: R
if the doors are open R
if the exterior mirrors are folded in R
if the trunk lid is open R
in heavy rain, snow or fog R
at night or in very dark places R
if the cameras are exposed to very bright light R
if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker) R
if the camera lenses fog up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a rapid
change in temperature R
if the camera lenses are dirty or covered.
Observe the notes on cleaning
( Y
page 323) R
if the vehicle components in which the cam-
eras are installed are damaged. In this event,
have the camera position and setting checked
at a qualified specialist workshop
Do not use the 360° camera in this case. You
can otherwise injure others or cause damage to
objects or the vehicle.
The guide lines on the multimedia system show
the distances to your vehicle. The distances only
apply to road level.
The cameras in the front and in the rear area are
each protected by a flap. These flaps are opened
when the 360° camera is activated. Observe the
notes on cleaning ( Y
page 323). For technical
reasons, the flaps may remain open briefly after
the 360° camera has been deactivated.
The field of vision and other functions of the
camera system may be restricted due to addi-
tional attachments (e.g. license plate holder,
rear bicycle carrier).
On vehicl es w ith height-adjustable chassis,
dependi
ng on technical conditions, leaving the
standard height can result in: R
inaccuracies in the guide lines R
inaccuracies in the display of generated
images (top view) Activation conditions The image from the 360° camera appears if: R
the multimedia system is switched on R
the 360° Camera function is switched on
If the 360° camera is activated at speeds above
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h), a warning
message appears.
The warning message disappears if: R
the vehicle's speed falls below approximately
19 mph (30 km/h). The 360° camera is then
activated. R
the message is confirmed with the 8 but-
ton.
Switching the 360° camera on/off with
the button
X
To switch on: press button C .
Depending on whether position D or R is
engaged, the following is shown: R
full screen display with the image from the
front camera R
full screen display with the image from the
rear view camera X
To switch off: press button C again.
Switching on the 360° camera and mul-
timedia system X
Press the

Traffic Sign Assist is not available in all coun-
tries. In this case, display C appears in the
assistance graphic ( Y
page 221).
Important safety notes Traffic Sign Assist is only an aid and is not always
able to correctly display speed limits. Traffic
signs always have priority over the Traffic Sign
Assist display.
The system may be either functionally impaired
or temporarily unavailable if the information in
the digital street map of the navigation system is
incorrect or out of date.
Activating Traffic Sign Assist X
Activate the Traffic Sign Assist display using
the on-board computer ( Y
page 222).
If you have activated the Traffic Sign Assist dis-
play in the on-board computer, the traffic regu-
lations (speed limits and overtaking restrictions)
appear in the instrument cluster for five seconds
in each case. The wrong-way warning and the
traffic sign display for speed limits and overtak-
ing restrictions remain active even when the
display has been deactivated.
Instrument cluster display
Displaying the assistance graphic X
Call up the assistance graphics display func-
tion using the on-board computer
( Y
page 221).
Detected traffic signs appear in the instru-
ment cluster. Speed limit with unknown restriction
C
Maximum permitted speed D
Maximum permitted speed for vehicles for
which the restriction in the additional sign is
relevant

Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipmen t integrate d in th e vehi-
cle while driving , you will be distracte d from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of th e vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Only operate th e equipmen t when th e traffic
situation permits. If you are no t sur e that this
is possible , park th e vehicl e payin g attention
to traffic condition s and operate th e equip-
men t when th e vehicl e is stationary.
You must observ e th e legal requirements for th e
country in whic h you are currentl y driving when
operating th e on-board computer.
G WARNIN G
If th e instrumen t cluste r has faile d or mal-
functioned, you may no t recognize function
restriction s in systems relevan t to safety. The
operating safet y of your vehicl e may be
impaired . Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Hav e th e vehicl e checke d
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
If th e operating safet y of your vehicl e is
impaired , pull ove r as soo n as it is saf e to do so.
Contac t a qualified specialist workshop.
The on-board computer only shows message s or
warning s from certain systems in th e multifunc-
tion display. You should therefor e mak e sur e
your vehicl e is operating safely at all times .
Fo r an overview, see th e instrumen t panel illus-
tration ( Y
page 35).
Hybrid vehicles: mak e sur e that you read th e
separat e Operator's Manual. Otherwise, you
may no t recognize dangers.
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The ligh t sensor in th e instrumen t cluste r auto -
matically control s th e brightness of th e multi-
function display. In daylight, th e displays in th e instrumen t cluste r are illuminated. A dimming
function is no t possible in daylight.
The lighting in th e instrumen t cluster, in th e dis-
plays and th e control s in th e vehicl e interior can
be adjusted usin g th e brightness control knob.
The brightness control is locate d between th e
instrumen t cluste r and th e multimedia system
display ( Y
page 36). X
Turn th e brightness control knob clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
If you tur n th e ligh t switch ( Y
page 124) to th e
` , X or X position , th e brightness
will depend upon th e brightness of th e ambi -
en t light.
Speedometer segments The segments in th e speedometer indicat e
whic h spee d range is available. R
Cruis e control activated ( Y
page 169):
The segments ligh t up from th e store d spee d
to th e en d of th e scale.R
DISTRONI C PLU S activated ( Y
page 171):
On e or two segments in th e set spee d range
ligh t up. R
DISTRONI C PLU S detects a vehicl e in fron t
moving mor e slowly than th e store d speed:
The segments between th e spee d of th e vehi-
cle in fron t and th e store d spee d ligh t up.
Tachometer
! Do no t driv e in th e overrevving range, as this
could damag e th e engine.
The red ban d in th e tachometer indicates th e
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel suppl y is interrupted to protect th e
engin e when th e red ban d is reached.
Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tion s when temperatures are aroun d freezing
point.
Bea r in min d that th e outside temperature dis-
play indicates th e temperature measured and
does no t record th e road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in th e multi-
function display ( Y
page 212).210
Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

driver to see all of the information without hav-
ing to take their eyes off the road.
A requirement for the display of the contents is
that the following functions are available in the
vehicle and are switched on: R
Cruise control R
DISTRONIC PLUS R
Traffic Sign Assist R
Navigation
Important safety notes The Head-up Display is only an aid and is not a
substitute for attentive driving.
Speed limits and overtaking restrictions are not
always correctly displayed. Traffic signs always
have priority over the Traffic Sign Assist display.
The visibility of the Head-up Display is influ-
enced by the following conditions: R
the driver's seat position R
the positioning of the display image R
the general ambient light R
sunglasses with polarization filters R
wet roads R
blocking of sunlight by objects on the display
cover
In the event of extreme sunlight, sections of the
display may fade. This can be reversed by
switching the Head-up Display off and on again.
i Vehicles with the head-up display are equip-
ped with a special windshield. Should repairs
be necessary, have the windshield replaced at
a qualified specialist workshop.
Displays and operation
Switching the Head-up Display on/off X
Press button C .
When the Head-up Display is switched on, the
display appears in the driver's field of vision.
Standard displays in the Head-up Display
C
Navigation messages D
Current speed

X
Using d or c , select the Additional
Speedometer [km/h] function.
The current selection appears. X
To activate/deactivate: press v again.
Restoring the factory settings X
Press

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. The red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te n seconds
after th e electric parking brak e has been applie d or released. It then
goe s out or remain s lit .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning .X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Apply th e electric parking brake.
If it is no t possibl e to engage th e electric parking brake:X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
If it is no t possibl e to release th e electric parking brake:X
Releas e th e electric parking brak e automatically ( Y
page 164).
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. If you manually apply or
release th e electric parking brake, th e red I (US A only) or $
(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning . It is no t possibl e to apply
th e electric parking brak e manually.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
I (USA
only)
$ ( Canada
only)
Parkin g Brake Inop‐
erativ e The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. The red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te n seconds
after th e electric parking brak e has been applie d or released. It then
goe s out or remain s lit .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning , e.g. because of over-
voltag e or undervoltage. X
Remove th e caus e for th e overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging th e battery or restarting th e engine.X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If it remain s impossible to apply or release th e electric parking brake:X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be applied:X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .232
Display messages
On-board computer and displays