instrument cluster MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 User Guide

RADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
GWARNING
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 492).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 73).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
( 8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Brakes
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
Driving safety systems73SafetyZ

The brakes will work normally again if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational; see "Radar sensor system" in the
index.GWARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
careful attention to the traffic situation and be
ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
GWARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident. Always pay careful attention to the
traffic situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 73).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the front or rear
Driving safety systems75SafetyZ

Rtraction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.XTo deactivate: (Y page 386).
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
XTo activate: (Y page 386).
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 73).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the braking system
remains available with full brake boosting
effect. However, the rear wheels can still lock,
e.g. under full braking. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident. You should therefore adapt your
driving style to the different handling
characteristics.XObserve the notes on warning and indicator
lamps ( Y page 425) as well as display
messages ( Y page 394).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
( Y page 346) and hill start assist
( Y page 310). For further information, see
Driving tips ( Y page 331).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 73).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision. If PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has detected a
risk of collision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically as well as by automatic
braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a
collision without your intervention.
At speeds above approximately
4 mph (7 km/h), this function warns you
when you are rapidly approaching the vehicle
in front. An intermittent warning tone will
then sound and the · distance warning
lamp in the instrument cluster will light up.
Driving safety systems77SafetyZ

In these cases, PRE-SAFE(R) Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
particular attention to the traffic situation and
be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE(R)
Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention
in a non-critical driving situation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different lineGWARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot
intervene in critical situations. There is a risk
of an accident. Always pay careful attention
to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer ( Y page 386).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed on the left in the instrument
cluster.
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be
switched on ( Y page 389) and be
operational.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the trunk lid
R the hood
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
Theft deterrent locking system79SafetyZ

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).
Correcting the driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment ( Y page 107).
XCheck whether you have adjusted seat =
properly.
Electrical seat adjustment ( Y page 108)
When adjusting the seat, make sure:
R you are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
R you are sitting in a normal upright
position.R you can fasten the seat belt properly.
R you have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.
R you have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
R you can depress the pedals properly.XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly ( Y page 110).
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted the head restraint so that the back
of your head is supported at eye level by
the center of the head restraint.
Observe the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment ( Y page 114).
XCheck whether steering wheel : is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel electrically
( Y page 114)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts
( Y page 61).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
belt ; properly ( Y page 63).
The seat belt should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R be routed in your pelvic area across the
hip jointsXBefore starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors
( Y page 116) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.XVehicles with a memory function: save
the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror
settings ( Y page 118).106Correcting the driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

switch SPLITVIEW on and off
( Y page 129).
The SPLITVIEW screen remains on for
approximately 30 minutes after the SmartKey
has been turned to position 0 in the ignition
lock. After this time or after the SmartKey has
been removed, the settings on the front-
passenger side are saved for approximately
30 minutes longer. After this period,
reactivation on the front-passenger side
means that the settings from the driver's side
will be used.
Cordless headphones for the front
passenger
There are different cordless headphones for
the front passenger and the rear
compartment.
The cordless headphones for the front
passenger can be identified by SPLITVIEW
symbol : on the headband.
The cordless headphones for the front
passenger cannot be used in the rear
compartment. Equally, the headphones for
the rear compartment cannot be used by the
front passenger.
Swiveling the COMAND display and
setting the brightness
You can swivel the COMAND display 5
. The
buttons are located beside the COMAND
display.
Swiveling:To swivel the display to the left;To swivel the display to the right
Setting the brightness
:Brightness of the instrument cluster
lighting;Brightness of the COMAND display
Brighter or dimmer:
XTurn control : or ; clockwise or counter-
clockwise.
i If Night View Assist Plus is activated, only
the brightness of the multifunction display
is adjusted with control :.
Display design
When the default settings are selected, the
display automatically switches between day
design and night design.
You can change these settings using
COMAND ( Y page 147).
5
Not with SPLITVIEW.128At a glanceCOMAND

Storing the crosshair position in the list
of previous destinations
Route guidance not active
A crosshair appears on the map if you have
moved the map manually. You can store the
crosshair position as a destination in the list
of previous destinations.
XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.XSelect Position in the navigation system
menu bar by turning cVd the COMAND
controller and press W to confirm.XSelect Save Crosshair Position and
press W to confirm.
Route guidance is active
XSelect Destination in the navigation
system menu bar by turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.XSelect Save Destination and press W to
confirm.
Deleting one of the previous
destinations
XTo activate navigation mode: press the
S function button once or twice.XTo show the menu: press W the COMAND
controller.XSelect Destination in the navigation
system menu bar by turning cVd the
COMAND controller and press W to
confirm.XSelect From Last Destinations and
press W to confirm.
The list of last destinations appears.XSelect the desired destination and press
W to confirm.
The destination address appears.XSelect Delete and press W to confirm.
A prompt appears asking whether the entry
should be deleted.XSelect Yes or No and press W to confirm.
If you select Yes, the entry is deleted.
If you select No, the process is aborted.
Map operation and settings
Note
Company logos displayed on the map are
trademarks of the respective companies and
used solely for the purpose of indicating the
location of these companies. The use of such
logos on the map does not indicate approval
of, support of or advertising by these
companies for the navigation system itself.
Setting the map scale
XTo hide the menu: slide ZV the COMAND
controller and, when the Full screen
menu item is shown, press W.XTo call up the scale bar: as soon as you
turn cVd the COMAND controller, scale
bar = appears.XTurn cVd until the desired scale is set.:Set map scale as a number with unit;Currently set map scale as indicated by
the needle on the scale bar=Scale bar
Unit of measurement : in the COMAND
display depends on the selection made for the
instrument cluster.
186NavigationCOMAND

XSelect Brightness , Contrast , Color or
Auto using the 9: buttons and
press 9 to confirm.
An adjustment scale appears.XSelect a setting using the 9:
buttons and press the 9 button to confirm.
Changing the picture format
XTo show the menu: press the 9 button
on the remote control.
or
XSelect Menu while the navigation menu
( Y page 246) is shown and press the 9
button to confirm.XSelect Video DVD using
the :=; buttons and press the
9 button to confirm.
The ä symbol in front of the Auto, 16:9
Optimized , 4:3 or Widescreen menu item
indicates the format currently set.XSelect a format using the 9:
buttons and press the 9 button to confirm.
System settings
Note
You can adjust almost all system settings
individually for each screen without affecting
the other screen. You make these settings
using the remote control.
Selecting the display language
XSelect System using the 9=;
buttons on the remote control and press
the 9 button to confirm.
You see the system menu on the selected
rear screen.XSelect Settings using the : button
and confirm with the 9 button.XSelect Language using the 9:
buttons and press the 9 button to confirm.
The list of languages appears. The # dot
indicates the current setting.XSelect a language using the 9:
buttons and press the 9 button to confirm.
The Rear Seat Entertainment System
activates the respective language.
Switching the display design
XSelect Settings using the : button
and confirm with the 9 button.XSelect Day Mode , Night Mode or
Automatic using the 9: buttons
and press the 9 button to confirm.
The ä icon indicates the current setting.DesignExplanationDay ModeThe display is set
permanently to day
design.Night ModeThe display is set
permanently to night
design.AutomaticThe display design
changes depending on
the vehicle instrument
cluster illumination.254Rear Seat Entertainment SystemCOMAND

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).
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
Information about driving abroad
To convert to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road from the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries.
To convert to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border and
returning to the original country.
Light switch
Operation
Depending on the date of manufacture of your
vehicle, the c or à symbol for the
automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps is located on the light switch.
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3$Lights off/daytime running lamps4cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting6 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps7NFront fog lamps 118
RRear fog lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 283).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
11 Only vehicles with Bi-Xenon headlamps without the Intelligent Light System are equipped with front fog lamps.280Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Combination switch
Turn signals:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High-beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.High-beam flasherXTo switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.XPull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down rapidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
If the vehicle returns to a speed of over
6 mph (10 km/h) after a full application of the
brakes, the hazard warning lamps are
deactivated automatically.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Exterior lighting283Lights and windshield wipersZ