engine oil MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 User Guide

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4
Check Engine Oil
At Next RefuelingVehicles with an oil dipstick: the oil level has dropped to the
minimum level.XCheck the oil level when next refueling, at the latest
( Y page 459).XIf necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 462).XHave the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.4
Check Engine Oil
Level (Add 1 quart)
(USA only) Check
Engine Oil Level
(Add 1 Liter)
(Canada only)Vehicles without an oil dipstick: the engine oil level is too low.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 459).XIf necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 459).XHave the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4
Engine Oil Level
Low Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine OffVehicles without an oil dipstick: the engine oil level is too low.
There is a risk of engine damage.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the parking brake.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 462) and check the oil level
( Y page 459).4
Engine Oil Level
Too HighVehicles without an oil dipstick: you have added too much engine
oil. There is a risk of damage to the engine or to the catalytic
converter.XHave the excess oil siphoned off at a qualified specialist
workshop. Observe the legal requirements.4
Engine Oil Level
Cannot Be MeasuredVehicles without an oil dipstick: the measuring system is
defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.408Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 31).
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
GWARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers.
GWARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes.GWARNING
To avoid injury, stay clear of moving parts
when the hood is open and the engine is
running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30seconds or may even restart
after the engine has been switched off. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area.
GWARNING
Vehicles with gasoline engine:
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
GWARNING
Vehicles with diesel engine:
The engine is equipped with a high-voltage
electronic control unit for the injection
system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components of the
injection system (injectors, electrical wires)
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.GWARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
458Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument panel.XPull release lever : for the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XPull hood catch handle ; outwards from
the radiator grill as far as it will go and lift
the hood from underneath by the radiator
grill.
Once you have lifted the hood about
15 inches (40cm), it is automatically
opened the rest of the way and held open
by the gas-filled struts.! Do not lift the hood by hood catch
handle ;. The handle may otherwise be
damaged.
Closing the hoodGWARNING
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20cm).XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Radiator
i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, for example with a
winter front or bug cover. The readings of
the on-board-diagnostic system may
otherwise be inaccurate. Some of these
readings are required by law and must be
accurate at all times.
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
GWARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers.
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts (0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil
Engine compartment459Maintenance and careZ

consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
On vehicles with a 12-cylinder engine, the oil
level can be checked using the on-board
computer. On all other models, the oil
dipstick must be used to check the engine oil
level.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
Example: vehicles with a gasoline engine
Example: vehicles with 4MATIC
XPull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.XWipe off oil dipstick :.XSlowly slide oil dipstick : into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark = and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.XIf the oil level is at or below MIN mark =,
add 0.55 US qt to 1.1 US qt ( 0.5 to 1.0 l) of
engine oil.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer
Measurement
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XPress the ; or = button to select the
Service menu.460Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

XPress the : or 9 button to select
Engine Oil Level .XPress the a button.
The multifunction display shows the
following message: Measuring Engine
Oil Level Accurate Only When
Vehicle Is Level
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the % button on the multifunction
steering wheel.
Engine compartment461Maintenance and careZ

Display messages
The measurement takes a few seconds. You will see one of the following messages in the
multifunction display:ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsEngine Oil Level OKThe oil level is correct.Add 1.0 l Engine
Oil At Next
Refueling .The oil level is too low.Xadd 1.0 l of engine oil.Add 1.5 l Engine
Oil At Next
Refueling .The oil level is too low.Xadd 1.5 l of engine oil.Add 2.0 l Engine
Oil At Next
Refueling .The oil level is too low.Xadd 2.0 l of engine oil.Engine Oil Level
Reduce Oil LevelThe engine oil level is too high.XHave excess engine oil siphoned off.For Engine Oil
Level Ignition
Must be OnThe ignition is switched off.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.Need More Time to
Check Engine Oil
LevelThe required waiting period was not observed.XIf the engine is at normal operating temperature: repeat the
measurement after about five minutes.
If the engine is not at normal operating temperature (e.g. if the
engine was only started briefly): repeat the measurement after
about 30 minutes.Engine Oil Level
Not When Engine OnThe engine is running; oil level measurement is not possible.XSwitch off the engine.XIf the engine is at normal operating temperature: wait about five
minutes before carrying out the measurement.
If the engine is not at normal operating temperature, e.g. if the
engine was only started briefly: wait approximately
30 minutes before carrying out the measurement.Adding engine oilGWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any engine oil on hot
engine parts.462Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by
the service system has been exceeded
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap : counterclockwise and remove
it.XAdd engine oil.
Vehicles with oil level measurement
function in the on-board computer: observe
the information in the on-board computer
when doing so. Vehicles with oil dipstick: if
the oil level is at or below the MIN mark onthe oil dipstick, add 0.55 to 1.1 US qt (0.5
to 1.0 l) engine oil.XReplace cap : on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.XCheck the oil level again with the oil
dipstick ( Y page 460) or the on-board
computer ( Y page 460).
Further information on engine oil
( Y page 528).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
GWARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
Engine compartment463Maintenance and careZ

Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is stationary and on a level surface.
If the brake fluid level is between MIN
marking ; and MAX marking : on the brake
fluid reservoir, it is correct.
Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The service interval display informs you of the
next service due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear an acoustic signal.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for a few seconds, e.g.
Next service A due in .. days
Service A due
Service A overdue by .. days
The letter indicates how much time the
workshop will require to carry out the service
work. The letters displayed range from A for
a short service duration to H for a long service
duration.
The service interval display does not take into
account any periods of time during which the
battery is disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:XNote down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before
disconnecting the battery.
or
XSubtract the battery disconnection periods
from the service date shown on the display
after reconnecting the battery.
i The service interval display does not
provide any information regarding the
engine's oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level ( Y page 459).
Hiding a service message
XPress the % or a button on the
steering wheel.
Displaying service messages
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the Service menu.XPress 9 or : to select the ASSYST
PLUS submenu and press a to confirm.
The service due date appears in the
multifunction display.
Please bear the following in mind
Resetting service interval display
If the qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Center, carried out the
maintenance work, the service interval
display will be reset.
Further information, on maintenance for
example, can be obtained at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the service interval display has been
reset unintentionally, have the setting
corrected at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have service work carried out as described
in the Maintenance Booklet. This may
Maintenance465Maintenance and careZ

iThe data shown on the identification plate
is example data. This data is different for
every vehicle and can deviate from the data
shown here. You can find the data
applicable to your vehicle on the vehicle's
identification plate.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) can
be found in the following locations:
R on the vehicle identification plate
( Y page 523)
R at the lower edge of the windshield
( Y page 524)
In addition to being stamped on the vehicle
identification plate, the vehicle identification
number (VIN) is also stamped onto the vehicle
body. It is under the trim behind the rear seat
armrest.
XFold down the rear seat armrest.XOpen the trim.
You will see vehicle identification number
(VIN) :.Engine number:Emission control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards;Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)=VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
Service products and filling
capacities
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.
Service products include the following:
R fuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel)
R additives for exhaust gas aftertreatment,
e.g. DEF
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
524Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

with premium-grade unleaded gasoline
as soon as possible.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R if the vehicle is carrying a light load, e.g.
two passengers without luggage, do not
allow the engine to rev above 3000 rpm.
R if the vehicle is fully loaded or is being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than Ô of the pedal travel.
Only refuel with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a minimum octane number of
91.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline with additives can be used.
However, the concentration of additives in
the fuel must be less than 10%, e.g.
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline
including other additives must not exceed
3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used.
All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
i For further information, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or visit
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).Information on refueling ( Y page 321).
Additives
! Do not refuel with low-grade fuel and do
not use fuel additives that are not tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Damage to or malfunctions of the fuel
system may otherwise occur.
One of the main problems of poor fuel quality
is the forming of deposits that are created
during the gasoline combustion process.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
branded fuels that have additives.
If you use fuels without these additives over
a longer period of time, carbon deposits may
build up. These deposits form at the inlet
valves and in the combustion chamber in
particular.
This could lead to engine problems, e.g.:
R longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise
R misfiring
R loss of power
Carbon deposits may form if the availability
of gasoline with relevant additives is
insufficient (in certain regions). In this case,
Mercedes-Benz recommends additives
approved for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles;
see http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
For a list of approved products, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Comply
with the instructions for use on the product
label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
Diesel
Fuel grade
GWARNING
Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Never mix diesel with gasoline.
This causes damage to the fuel system and
526Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data