wheel MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 User Guide

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................512
Unladen weight (definition) ............513
Wear indicator (definition) .............514
Wheel rim (definition) ....................512
see Flat tire
Tonal properties
see Sound settings
Top Tether ............................................ 69
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........485
Installing the towing eye ................485
Removing the towing eye ...............486
With the rear axle raised ................486
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......486
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............487
Important safety notes ..................485
Track
Selecting (CD, DVD, MP3) .............. 229
Traffic Announcements (TA)
Switching off .................................. 138
Traffic jam function ........................... 175
Traffic jam message see Dynamic route guidance/TMC
Traffic reports
Real-time traffic report ..................181
Switching on/off ........................... 178
Transfer case ..................................... 321
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 487
Treble, adjusting (sound) .................. 139
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 472
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 378
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 378
Resetting (on-board computer) ......379
Trunk
Emergency release ....................94, 95
Important safety notes ....................91
Limiting the opening angle ............. 269
Locking separately ...........................94Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 93
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 93
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 420
Opening/closing .............................. 91
Power closing feature ......................90
Trunk lid opening height
restriction .......................................... 269
Turn signals Display message ............................ 403
Switching on/off ........................... 283
TV
Automatic picture shutoff ..............244
Picture settings .............................. 244
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................90
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 89
USB
see Media Interface
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 440
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 31
Data acquisition ............................... 32
Display message ............................ 419
Emergency unlocking ................. 90, 91
Equipment ....................................... 28
Individual settings ..........................387
Limited Warranty ............................. 32
Loading .......................................... 502
Locking (in an emergency) ...............91
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 82
Lowering ........................................ 479
Maintenance .................................... 29
Parking for a long period ................ 329
Pulling away ................................... 309
Raising ........................................... 476
Reporting problems .........................32
Index25

Towing away .................................. 485
Transporting .................................. 487
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........90
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................82
Vehicle data ................................... 531
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 531
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 531
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 91
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 523
Vehicle level Active Body Control (ABC) .............348
AIRMATIC ...................................... 347
Display message ............................ 412
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 411
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 474
Video see Video DVD
Video AUX
Setting the picture .........................244
Video DVD
Automatic picture shutoff ..............244
DVD menu ..................................... 248
Fast forward/rewind ...................... 247
Function restrictions ......................246
Interactive content ........................250
Notes on discs ............................... 245
Operation ....................................... 245
Pause function ............................... 247
Playing conditions .......................... 245
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...258
Safety notes .................................. 245
Selecting ........................................ 247
Selecting a film/title ...................... 248
Selecting a scene/chapter ............247
Setting the audio format ................249
Setting the language ......................249
Setting the picture .........................244
Showing/hiding the control menu . 246
Showing/hiding the menu .............246
Stop function ................................. 247
Subtitles ........................................ 249
Switching to ................................... 246
VIN ...................................................... 523Voice Control System
Settings ......................................... 149
Volume, adjusting
COMAND ....................................... 138
Headphones .................................. 146
Navigation messages .....................138
Using the remote control (Rear
Seat Entertainment System) ..........144
W
Waiting call ........................................ 205
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 425
Brakes ........................................... 424
Check Engine ................................. 429
Distance warning ........................... 430
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 430
ESP ®
.............................................. 426
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 427
Fuel tank ........................................ 430
Overview .......................................... 38
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 54
Reserve fuel ................................... 430
Seat belt ........................................ 422
SRS ................................................ 428
Tire pressure monitor ....................431
Warranty ............................................ 523
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 420
Weather Band
Searching for a channel .................218
Switching on .................................. 218
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 479
Wheel chock ...................................... 476
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 475
Checking ........................................ 493
Cleaning ......................................... 468
Important safety notes ..................492
Interchanging/changing ................515
Mounting a new wheel ...................478
Removing a wheel ..........................478
Storing ........................................... 515
Tightening torque ........................... 479
Wheel size/tire size .......................515
26Index

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe through our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
30Introduction

CockpitFunctionPage:Steering wheel paddle
shifters
318
;Combination switch283=Cruise control lever335?HornAInstrument cluster37BDIRECT SELECT lever314CControl panel for:Vehicle level347Suspension tuning348PARKTRONIC350Swiveling the COMAND
display
128
COMAND display
brightness
128
Instrument lighting128FunctionPageDOverhead control panel42EAutomatic climate control294FIgnition lock307Start/Stop button307GAdjusts the steering wheel114Steering wheel heating114HElectric parking brake328IDiagnostics connection31JOpens the hood458KNight View Assist Plus360LLight switch28036CockpitAt a glance

The SRS components are in operational
readiness if the 6 SRS warning lamp is not
lit while the engine is running.GWARNING
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction if the 6 SRS indicator lamp:
R does not light up at all
R does not go out after approximately four
seconds after the engine is started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving.
For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly
recommends that you have the system
checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. SRS may otherwise
fail to activate when it is needed in the event
of an accident, which could lead to serious or
fatal injuries. SRS might also be activated
unexpectedly and unnecessarily, which could
also result in injury.
In addition, work carried out improperly on
SRS may render SRS inoperative or cause
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
SRS system should only be carried out by
qualified specialist personnel. Consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for details. USA only: for further information
contact our Customer Assistance center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372).
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags
GWARNING
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check your national disposal
guidelines. California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
belt tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. to the:
- padded steering wheel boss
- front-passenger air bag cover
- outer side of front seat bolsters
- side trim next to the rear seat backrest
- roof lining trim
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and otherOccupant safety49SafetyZ

injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz
strongly recommends that you inform the
subsequent owner that the vehicle is
equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence
of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:
R frontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags)
R side impacts (side impact air bags and
window curtain air bags)
R rollover (window curtain air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
When the air bags are deployed, a small
amount of powder is released. The powder
generally does not constitute a health hazard
and does not indicate that there is a fire in the
vehicle. In order to prevent potential
breathing difficulties, you should leave the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have any breathing difficulty but cannot get
out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or
door.GWARNING
In order to reduce the potential danger of
injuries caused during the deployment of the
front air bags, the driver and front passenger
must always be correctly seated and wear
their seat belts.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision, you must always be in the normal
seat position with your back against the
backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure
that it is correctly positioned on your body.
As the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag, as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R sit with the seat belt fastened correctly and
in a position that is as upright as possible
with your back against the backrest.
R move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm). You
should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
50Occupant safetySafety

you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
R only hold the steering wheel on the outside.
Placing hands and arms inside the rim can
increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury if the driver front air bag
inflates.
R adjust the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible from the dashboard when the
seat is occupied.
R occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates. This could result in
serious or fatal injuries should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual.GWARNING
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
There is a possibility for a side impact air bag-
related injury if occupants, especially
children, are not properly seated or restrained
when next to a side impact air bag which
needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in
order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1)Occupants, especially children,
should never place their bodies or
lean their heads in the area of the
door where the side impact air baginflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should
the side impact air bag be
deployed.(2)Always sit as upright as possible,
wear the seat belt properly and use
an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the
size and weight of the child. and
for children 12 years old and
under, use an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint,
or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child.(3)Always wear seat belts properly.
If you believe that, even with the use of these
guidelines, it would be safer for your rear seat
occupants to have the rear mounted side
impact air bags deactivated, then
deactivation can be carried out upon your
written request at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center at an additional cost.
Please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call the Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372), or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100 for details.
The air bags are only deployed if the air bag
control unit detects the need for deployment.
Only in the event of such a situation will they
provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear
their seat belts. Otherwise, it is not possible
for the air bags to provide their supplemental
protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and
impacts below air bag deployment
thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The
driver and passengers will then be protected
to the extent possible by a properly fastened
seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Occupant safety51SafetyZ

Air bags provide additional protection; they
are not, however, a substitute for seat belts.
All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat
belts regardless of whether your vehicle is
equipped with air bags or not.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air
bags continue to perform their protective
function for the vehicle occupants in the
event of a crash.
Front air bags
The front air bags increase protection for the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
chest.
Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air
bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove
box.
They are deployed:
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R if the seat belt is fastened
R independently of other air bags in the
vehicle
If the vehicle overturns, the front air bags are
generally not deployed. If the system detects
high vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal
direction, the front air bags are deployed.
Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air
bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag
control unit evaluates the vehicle
deceleration. In the first deployment stage,
the front air bag is filled with enough
propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.
The front air bag is fully deployed if a second
deployment threshold is exceeded within a
few milliseconds.
The deployment of the front-passenger front
air bag is also influenced by the weight
category of the front passenger, which is
determined by the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) ( Y page 54).
The lighter the passenger-side occupant, the
higher the vehicle deceleration rate required
(predicted at the start of the impact) for
second stage inflation of the front-passenger
front air bag. In the second stage, the front
air bags are inflated with the maximum
amount of propellant gas available.
The front air bags are not deployed in
situations where a low impact severity is
predicted. You will then be protected by the
fastened seat belt.
The front-passenger front air bag will only
deploy if:
R the system, based on the OCS weight
sensor readings, detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied.
R the 42 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit, ( Y page 54).
R the air bag control unit predicts a high
impact severity.
Side impact air bagsGWARNING
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
52Occupant safetySafety

GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could:
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.
GWARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or trunk unless they
are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
Special seat belt retractor
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor.
When activated, the special seat belt
retractor ensures the seat belt will not
slacken once the child restraint system has
been secured.
Installing a child restraint system:XAlways comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.XPull the seat belt smoothly from the inertia
reel.XEngage the seat belt tongue in the belt
buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat
belt retractor is enabled.XPush down on the child restraint system to
take up any slack.
Removing a child restraint system/
deactivating the special seat belt retractor:
XAlways comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.XPress the seat belt release button and
guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor is
deactivated.GWARNING
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
in the rear
GWARNING
Children that are too large for a child restraint
must travel in seats using normal seat belts.
Position shoulder belt across the chest and
shoulder, not face or neck.
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where
68Children in the vehicleSafety

GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could:
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.
Child-proof locks for the rear doors
GWARNING
Children could open a rear door from inside
the vehicle. This could result in serious
injuries or an accident. Therefore, when
children ride in the rear always secure the rear
doors with the child-proof locks.
You secure each door individually with the
child-proof locks on the rear doors. A door
secured with a child-proof lock cannot be
opened from inside the vehicle. When the
vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened
from the outside.
XTo activate: press the child-proof lock
lever up in the direction of arrow :.XMake sure that the child-proof locks are
working properly.XTo deactivate: press the child-proof lock
lever down in the direction of arrow ;.
Override feature for the rear side
windows
GWARNING
When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats,
activate the override switch. Otherwise, the
children could be injured, e.g. by trapping
themselves in the rear side window.
For the rear compartment, you can deactivate
operation of:
R the rear side windows
R the cigarette lighter in the rear
R adjustment of the front-passenger seat
from the rear compartment
R the sunblinds:
- in the roof
- of the rear window
- of the rear side windows
Children in the vehicle71SafetyZ