MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 Owner's Manual

R
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 382
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating .................389
Display message ............................ 413
Radiator cover ................................... 459
Radio HD Radio™ .................................... 219
Selecting a station .........................380
Setting a station ............................ 216
Sound settings (balance, bass,
fader, treble) .................................. 139
Storing stations ............................. 217
Switching on .................................. 215
Switching wavebands ....................216
Radio-controlled devices
(installing) .......................................... 456
Read-aloud function .......................... 178
Reading lamp ..................................... 285
Real-time traffic reports ................... 178
Rear compartment Activating/deactivating climate
control ........................................... 296
Setting the air distribution .............299
Setting the airflow .........................299
Setting the air vents ......................303
Setting the temperature ................298
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 404
Switching on/off ........................... 282
Rear seat
Adjusting ....................................... 108
Rear Seat Entertainment System
Adjusting the sound settings .........253
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........255
AUX mode ...................................... 263
Changing batteries (remote
control, headphones) .....................251
Changing the picture format ..........254
Components/overview ..................143
Headphones (cordless) ..................146
Multiple users ................................ 253
Overview of picture settings ..........253
Remote control .............................. 144
Screen ........................................... 144
Setting the audio format ................262
System settings ............................. 254Using headphones .........................252
Using the main loudspeaker ..........252
Video DVD mode ........................... 258
Rear seats
Overview .......................................... 45
Rear view camera
Cleaning instructions .....................470
Function/notes ............................. 357
Rear-view mirror ............................... 117
Rear window blind ............................ 441
see Rear window roller sunblind
see Roller sunblind
Rear window defroster
Problem (malfunction) ...................301
Switching on/off ........................... 301
Redialing (telephone) ........................ 204
Refueling Fuel gauge ....................................... 37
Important safety notes ..................321
Refueling process ..........................322
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................452
Programming (garage door
opener) .......................................... 453
Remote operation
Selecting a screen (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................144
Switching a screen on/off (Rear
Seat Entertainment System) ..........145
Reporting safety defects .................... 32
Reserve (fuel tank) see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 409
Warning lamp ................................. 430
see Fuel
Reset function ................................... 154
Resetting (factory settings) ............. 154
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 302
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Reversing lamps (display
message) ............................................ 405
Road map see Map Index19

Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 29
Roller blind see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel .................................. 100
Rear side windows ...........................96
Rear window .................................. 441
Rear window (COMAND) ................266
Roller sunblind of the panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel Operating (front roller sunblind) ....101
Operating (rear roller sunblind) ......101
Roof carrier ........................................ 438
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 472
Roof load (maximum) ........................ 531
Route (navigation) Displaying the distance to the
destination ..................................... 176
Route overview .............................. 176
Selecting an alternative route ........175
Setting route options (avoiding:
highways, toll roads, tunnels,
ferries) ........................................... 156
Setting the route type (short
route, fast route, dynamic route or
economic route) ............................ 156
Starting calculation ........................160
see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance
Canceling ....................................... 173
Continuing ..................................... 173
Destination reached ......................174
Lane recommendations .................172
Off-road ......................................... 177
Traffic reports ................................ 178
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 379
Route guidance (on-board
computer) .......................................... 379
Route information see Dynamic route guidance/TMC
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................66
Child restraint systems ....................66
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 54
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 48
Safety notes
Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode .....225
Operating safety ............................ 120
Video DVD mode ........................... 245
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
SatRadio ............................................. 221
Displaying information ...................224
Registering .................................... 221
Selecting a category ......................222
Screen
Selecting for remote control (Rear
Seat Entertainment System) ..........144
Switching on/off (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................129
see Display
SD memory card
Loading .......................................... 226
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................64
Adjusting the height ......................... 64
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........66
Belt force limiters ............................ 65
Cleaning ......................................... 472
Correct usage .................................. 62
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 65
Fastening ......................................... 63
Important safety guidelines .............61
Releasing ......................................... 64
Safety guidelines ............................. 49
Special seat belt retractor ...............68
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................388
Warning lamp ................................. 422
Warning lamp (function) ................... 64
Seats
Active multicontour seat ........ 112, 276
Adjusting (electrically) ...................108
Adjusting (rear compartment) ........108
Adjusting lumbar support ..............112
Adjusting the head restraint ..........110
Cleaning the cover .........................472
Correct driver's seat position ........10620Index

Important safety notes ..................107
Multicontour seat .......................... 112
Seat heating problem ....................113
Seat ventilation problem ................114
Selecting (COMAND) .....................274
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 118
Switching seat heating on/off .......113
Switching seat ventilation on/off ..113
Selecting stations (radio)
Using station presets .....................216
Using station search ......................216
Sending DTMF tones ......................... 207
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 470
Service Center see Qualified specialist workshop
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........465
Hiding service messages ...............465
Notes ............................................. 465
Service messages ..........................465
Service menu (on-board computer) . 387
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 529
Coolant (engine) ............................ 530
DEF special additives .....................527
Engine oil ....................................... 528
Fuel ................................................ 525
Important safety notes ..................524
Washer fluid ................................... 531
Setting a station (radio)
Via manual frequency entry ...........217
Settings
Display ........................................... 147
Menu overview .............................. 125
On-board computer .......................387
Picture (COMAND) .........................244
Picture (Rear Seat Entertainment
System) ......................................... 253
Sound settings ............................... 139
System settings ............................. 147
Setting the language
COMAND ....................................... 153
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...262
Setting the night design ................... 147
Setting the text reader speed .......... 149
Setting the vehicle level ................... 349Setting the volume
Telephone calls .............................. 138
Video AUX ..................................... 250
Side impact air bag ............................. 52
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 405
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............97
Convenience opening feature ..........96
Important safety information ...........95
Opening/closing .............................. 96
Problem (malfunction) .....................98
Resetting ......................................... 98
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................98
Opening/closing .............................. 99
Problem (malfunction) ...................103
Resetting ....................................... 100
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................85
Changing the programming .............84
Checking the battery .......................85
Convenience closing feature ............97
Convenience opening feature ..........96
Display message ............................ 421
Door central locking/unlocking .......82
Important safety notes ....................82
Loss ................................................. 87
Mechanical key ................................ 84
Positions (ignition lock) .................307
Problem (malfunction) .....................87
Starting the engine ........................309
SMS message
see Text message
Snow chains ...................................... 495
Socket Glove box ....................................... 444
Sockets
Points to observe before use .........443
Rear compartment .........................444
Trunk ............................................. 444
Sound menu ....................................... 139
Sounds see Sound settings Index21

Sound settingsBalance and fader ..........................139
Calling up the sound menu ............139
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...253
Surround sound ............................. 140
Treble and bass ............................. 139
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 518
Storage location ............................ 474
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 31
Speech control see Voice Control System
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the
additional speedometer .................388
Digital ............................................ 378
In the Instrument cluster .................37
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 388
see Instrument cluster
SPLITVIEW ......................................... 126
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 399
Introduction ..................................... 48
Warning lamp ................................. 428
Warning lamp (function) ................... 48
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 404
Switching on/off ........................... 280
Starting (engine) ................................ 308
Station memory ................................. 217
Steering (display message) .............. 420
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................114
Button overview ............................... 39
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 375
Cleaning ......................................... 472
Important safety notes ..................114
Paddle shifters ............................... 318
Steering wheel heating ..................114
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 118Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off ........................... 114
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 318
Stop function Audio DVD ..................................... 228
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...260
Video DVD ..................................... 247
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 382
Storing stations Manually ........................................ 217
Storing stations (radio)
Automatically ................................. 217
Stowage areas ................................... 434
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 435
Cup holders ................................... 439
Door ............................................... 435
Eyeglasses compartment ...............435
Glove box ....................................... 434
Important safety information .........434
Parcel net ...................................... 437
Rear ............................................... 436
Rear seat backrest ......................... 436
Rear seats (between) .....................436
Stowage well ..................................... 438
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 438
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 494
Sun visor ............................................ 440
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround sound
see 3D sound (Harman Kardon ®
surround sound system)
Surround sound (harman/
kardon ®
surround sound system)
Notes ............................................. 140
Switching on/off ........................... 140
Suspension tuning
Active Body Control .......................349
AIRMATIC ...................................... 348
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 30122Index

Switching between picture
formats (TV, video) ............................ 245
Switching between summer time
and standard time ............................. 148
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 79
Switching the hands-free
microphone on/off ............................ 205
Switching wavebands (radio) ........... 216
System settings
Bluetooth ®
..................................... 151
Date ............................................... 148
Language ....................................... 153
Programmable button (COMAND) ..124
Text reader speed ..........................149
Time ............................................... 148
Time zone ...................................... 148
Voice Control System ....................149
T
Tachometer ........................................ 375
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 404
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 37
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 522
Tires/wheels ................................. 515
Vehicle data ................................... 531
TELEAID
Automatic retrieval of vehicle data
(service due date) ..........................451
Call priority .................................... 449
Display message ............................ 398
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 449
Emergency call .............................. 446
Important safety notes ..................445
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............452
MB info call button ........................448
Remote vehicle locking ..................451
Roadside Assistance button ..........447
Search & Send ............................... 450
Self-test ......................................... 446
System .......................................... 445
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............451
Telephone
Accepting/ending a call ................203
Accepting a call ............................. 384
Adjusting the volume for calls .......138
Basic menu (Bluetooth ®
interface) ....................................... 202
Calling (outgoing call) ....................204
Calling voicemail ............................ 205
Conference connection .................. 205
Connecting a mobile phone
(general information) .....................199
De-authorizing a mobile phone ......202
Ending an active call ......................205
Entering a number .........................204
External authorization
(Bluetooth ®
) ................................... 201
Function restrictions ......................198
General notes ................................ 197
Keypad ........................................... 124
Menu (on-board computer) ............384
Number from the phone book ........ 384
Operating options ..........................198
Overview of functions ....................205
Reception and transmission
volume ........................................... 203
Redialing ........................................ 385
Rejecting/ending a call .................384
Rejecting a call .............................. 203
Rejecting or accepting a waiting
call ................................................. 205
Safety notes .................................. 197
Sending DTMF tones ...................... 207
Switching hands-free microphone
on/off ............................................ 205
Toggling ......................................... 205
Using the telephone ....................... 203
see Bluetooth ®

see Call lists
Telephone mode
Redialing ........................................ 204
Telephone module with
Bluetooth ®
SIM Access Profile
see Separate installation instructions
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 374
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 381
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 381Index23

Outside temperature ...................... 375
Setting (climate control) ................298
Setting (COMAND) .........................270
Theft deterrent systems
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........79
Immobilizer ...................................... 79
Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Time
Setting ........................................... 148
Setting summer/standard time .....148
Setting the format .........................148
Setting the time ............................. 148
Setting the time/date format ........148
Setting the time zone ..................... 148
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 382
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....499
Checking manually ........................499
Display message ............................ 417
Maximum ....................................... 498
Notes ............................................. 497
Recommended ............................... 495
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 499
Restarting ...................................... 501
Warning lamp ................................. 431
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................514
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................512
Bar (definition) ............................... 512
Characteristics .............................. 512
Checking ........................................ 493
Definition of terms .........................512
Direction of rotation ......................515
Display message ............................ 417
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................514
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 511
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............512
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 513GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 513
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................513
Important safety notes ..................492
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......512
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........513
Labeling (overview) ........................508
Load bearing index (definition) ......514
Load index ..................................... 511
Load index (definition) ...................513
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 513
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 513
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 513
Maximum tire load .........................506
Maximum tire load (definition) .......513
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 514
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 513
Replacing ....................................... 515
Service life ..................................... 493
Sidewall (definition) .......................514
Speed rating (definition) ................513
Storing ........................................... 515
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 512
Temperature .................................. 508
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 514
Tire bead (definition) ......................514
Tire pressure (definition) ................514
Tire pressures (recommended) ......512
Tire size (data) ............................... 515
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 509
Tire tread ....................................... 493
Tire tread (definition) .....................514
Total load limit (definition) .............514
Traction ......................................... 507
Traction (definition) .......................514
Tread wear ..................................... 507
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 50724Index

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

Window curtain air bagDisplay message ............................ 400
Operation ......................................... 53
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 469
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 300
Infrared reflective .......................... 456
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system .............. 464
Notes ............................................. 531
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................290
Replacing the wiper blades ............289
Switching on/off ........................... 289
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................494
Slippery road surfaces ...................334
Snow chains .................................. 495
Winter operation
Radiator cover ............................... 459
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 494
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 469
Important safety notes ..................289
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 472
Workshop see Qualified specialist workshop Index27

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of going to
print. 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. The equipment in your vehicle
may therefore differ from some of the
descriptions or illustrations.
The original purchase agreement lists all
systems installed in your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you have any questions about equipment or
operation.
The Operator's Manual and the Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and should
be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State warranty enforcement laws (lemon
laws)
28Introduction