suspension MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2017 Owners Manual

Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically) .................. .1 15
Button overview ............................... 36
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 211
Cleaning ......................................... 325
EASY ENTRY/EXIT feature ............. 116
Important safety notes .................. 115
Paddle shifters ............................... 156
Steering wheel heating .................. 115
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 120
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction) ................... 116
Switching on/off ........................... 115
Steering wheel paddle shifters ....... .1 56
Stop&Go Pilot
see DISTRONIC PLUS
Stowage areas ................................... 281
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................ .2 83
Center console .............................. 282
Center console in rear compart-
ment .............................................. 283
Cup holders ................................... 290
Door ............................................... 283
Eyeglasses compartment .............. .2 82
Glove box ....................................... 282
Important safety information ......... 281
Rear ............................................... 283
Rear seat backrest ......................... 284
Stowage net ................................... 285
see Stowage areas
Stowage net ....................................... 285
Stowage space
Bag hooks ...................................... 287
Folding table .................................. 284
Parcel net retainers ....................... 288
Securing a load .............................. 288
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 289
Summer tires
In winter ........................................ 345
Sun visor ............................................ 292
Suspension mode
Active Body Control ABC .............. .1 80
Suspension setting
AIRMATIC ...................................... 182 Suspension settings
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 226
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 140
Sw i
tching on media mode
Via the device list .......................... 278
T Tachometer ........................................ 210
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 241
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 35
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 371
Information .................................... 369
Tires/wheels ................................. 367
Vehicle data ................................... 376
Telephone
Accepting a call (multifunction
steering wheel) .............................. 220
Authorizing a mobile phone (con-
necting) ......................................... 277
Connecting a mobile phone (gen-
eral information) ............................ 277
Display message ............................ 257
Introduction ................................... 219
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 219
Number from the phone book ........ 220
Redialing ........................................ 220
Rejecting/ending a call ................. 220
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 269
Switching between mobile
phones ........................................... 278
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 211
Engine oil (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 226
Outside temperature ...................... 210
Setting (climate control) ................ 137
Transmission oil (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 226
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 349
Checking manually ........................ 349
Display message ............................ 25220
Index

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

Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
If wheels and tires of th e wrong siz e are used,
th e whee l brakes or suspension component s
may be damaged. Ther e is a ris k of an acci-
dent.
Always replace wheels and tires wit h those
that fulfill th e specification s of th e original
part .
When replacing wheels, mak e sur e to use th e
correct: R
designation R
model
When replacing tires , mak e sur e to use th e
correct: R
designation R
manufacturer R
model
G WARNIN G
A flat tire severely impairs th e driving , steer -
ing and braking characteristics of th e vehicle.
Ther e is a ris k of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics :R
do no t driv e wit h a flat tire.R
immediately replace th e flat tire wit h your
emergenc y spar e whee l or spar e wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tires wit h run-flat characteristics :R
pay attention to th e information and warn -
ing notice s on MOExtended tires (tire s wit h
run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are no t approve d for your vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Ben z or are no t bein g used cor-
rectl y can impair th e operating safety.
Before purchasing and usin g non-approve d
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
sho p and inquire about :R
suitabilit yR
legal stipulation sR
factory recommendation s Information on th e sizes and types of wheels and
tires for your vehicl e can be foun d under
"Wheel/tire combinations" ( Y
page 367).
Information on tire pressur e can be found:R
on th e vehicle's Tir e and Loading Information
placard on th e B-pillar ( Y
page 353)R
in th e tire pressur e table in th e fuel filler flap
( Y
page 162) R
under "Tir e pressure" ( Y
page 346)
Operation
Information on driving Chec k th e tire pressur e when th e vehicl e is
heavily laden and adjust prio r to a trip.
While driving , pay attention to vibrations, noises
and unusual handlin g characteristics , e.g. pull-
ing to on e side . This may indicat e that th e
wheels or tires are damaged. If you suspec t that
a tire is defective, reduce your spee d immedi-
ately. Stop th e vehicl e as soo n as possible to
chec k th e wheels and tires for damage. Hidden
tire damag e could also be causing th e unusual
handlin g characteristics . If you fin d no sign s of
damage, hav e th e tires and wheels checke d at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When parking your vehicle, mak e sur e that th e
tires do no t get deformed by th e cur b or other
obstacles. If they canno t be avoided, driv e ove r
obstacles suc h as curbs slowly and at an obtuse
angle. Otherwise, you may damag e th e wheels
or tires .
Regular checking of wheels and tires
G WARNIN G
Damaged tires can caus e tire inflation pres-
sur e loss . As a result , you could lose control of
your vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of accident.
Chec k th e tires regularly for sign s of damag e
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Chec k wheels and tires for damag e at least once
a month . Chec k wheels and tires after driving
off-road or on roug h roads. Damaged wheels
can caus e a loss of tire pressure.
Pay particular attention to damag e suc h as:R
cut s in th e tires R
punctures in th e tiresOperation 343
Wheels and tires Z