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

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

Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:Reading lamp;Press p consecutively:to switch the reading lamp and interior
lighting onto switch only the reading lamp onto switch the reading lamp off=Interior lighting
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
The OFF indicator lamp shows whether the
automatic interior lighting control is
deactivated (indicator lamp on) or
activated (indicator lamp off).
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using COMAND ( Y page 267).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the u button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
GDANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change the Xenon bulbs yourself, but
have them replaced at a qualified workshop.
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 287). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
286Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

Windows fogged up on the outsideXSwitch on the windshield wipers.XActivate automatic climate control.
iYou should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear. Otherwise, the
rear window defroster switches off
automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ¤ rocker switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ rocker
switch lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
The rear window defroster has deactivated
prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the g rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch lights up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. The indicator lamp in the
g rocker switch is not lit when
automatic air-recirculation mode is
activated.
Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
X To deactivate: press the g rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the g rocker
switch goes out.Operating the climate control systems301Climate controlZ

iAir-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes at
outside temperatures above
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the temperature that has
been set.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock or remove it.XTo activate: press the Ì rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp in the Ì rocker
switch lights up.XTo deactivate: press the Ì rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the Ì rocker
switch goes out.
i Residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R after about 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air intake grille on the hood free
of blockages, such as ice, snow or leaves
R never cover the air vents or air intake grille
in the vehicle interior.
i For virtually draft-free ventilation, adjust
the sliders of the air vents to the center
position.
Setting the center air vents
:Fixed center air vent;Center air vent, right=Center vent thumbwheel, right302Setting the air ventsClimate control

GWARNING
If the engine is switched off and the ECO
symbol is shown in green in the multifunction
display, the engine has been switched off
automatically. All of the vehicle's systems
remain active. If you open the door, unfasten
your seat belt or remove your foot from the
brake pedal, the engine will automatically
start. The vehicle may begin moving. You
could suffer serious or even fatal injury or
cause an accident resulting in injury or death.
Never leave the vehicle while the ECO symbol
in the multifunction display is shown in green
or yellow. Always secure the vehicle against
rolling away before leaving it.
! Always switch the ignition off and take the
key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Automatic engine switch-off
If the vehicle is braked to a standstill and the
brake remains depressed with the
transmission in position D or N, the ECO
start/stop function switches the engine off
automatically.
i You can still activate the HOLD function
when the vehicle is stationary, even if the
engine has been switched off
automatically. It is then not necessary to
continue applying the brakes during the
automatic stop phase. When you depress
the accelerator pedal, the engine starts
automatically and the braking effect of the
HOLD function is deactivated. Depress the
accelerator pedal carefully, as the engine
must be started first.
The engine is only switched off if:
R the outside temperature is within the range
which is suitable for the system.
R the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
Rthe system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the hood is closed.
R no engine-relevant diagnostics are active.
R the driver's door is closed and the seat belt
is fastened.
Automatic engine start
The engine is started automatically if you:
R release the brake pedal when HOLD is not
activated and the transmission is in
position D or N
R shift the transmission to position R
R depress the accelerator pedal
R switch off the ECO start/stop function or
switch to drive program S or M
R unfasten your seat belt or open the driver's
door
The engine is also started automatically if:
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the system detects moisture on the
windshield when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior
deviates from the set range.
R the charge level of the battery is too low.
Deactivating/activating the ECO start/
stop function
General information
You can deactivate and activate the ECO
start/stop function using COMAND
( Y page 265).
i You can also use the programmable
button ( Y page 124) to activate and
deactivate the ECO start/stop function if
you have assigned this function to the
button.
Driving311Driving and parkingZ

Problems with the engineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard.R There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.XBefore attempting to start the engine again, turn the SmartKey
in the ignition back to position 0 or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.XTry to start the engine again ( Y page 308). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 483).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.XAllow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.XTry to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Vehicles with a
gasoline engine:
The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.XCheck the coolant level ( Y page 463). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.Driving313Driving and parkingZ

Problems with fuel and the fuel tankProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock immediately
and remove it ( Y page 307).XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine will not
start.The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run
completely dry.XRefuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel.XTurn the ignition on for about 10 seconds( Y page 307).XStart the engine continuously for up to 10 seconds until it runs
smoothly.
or
If the engine does not start:
XTurn the ignition on again for approximately
10 seconds( Y page 307).XStart the engine again continuously for up to 10 seconds until
it runs smoothly.
orXStart the engine again via the touch-start function.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.XUnlock the vehicle ( Y page 82).
or
XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 84).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.324RefuelingDriving and parking

Engaging the electric parking brake
automatically
The electric parking brake is automatically
applied if HOLD or DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
the vehicle until it is stationary and at least
one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
R the engine is switched off.
R the driver's door is open and the seat belt
is not fastened.
R the hood is released.
R the trunk lid is opened while the automatic
transmission is in position R.
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy
period.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
i In addition to the electric parking brake,
P may also be engaged automatically.
Releasing the electric parking brake
automatically
The electric parking brake is released
automatically when the following conditions
are simultaneously fulfilled:
R the engine is running.
R the automatic transmission is in position
D or R.
R the hood is closed.
R your seat belt is fastened.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the automatic transmission is in position
R , the trunk lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
R the driver's door is closed.
R you have shifted out of position P or you
have previously driven faster than 3 km/h.
R you have shifted out of position P or you
have previously driven faster than 2 mph
(3km/h).
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake.
XWhile driving, push handle : of the electric
parking brake ( Y page 328).
i
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
the handle of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
R a warning tone sounds.
R the Please Release Parking Brake
message appears.
R the red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharge.
XConnect a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.Parking329Driving and parkingZ

If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle
is accelerated. Acceleration will be
interrupted if changing lanes takes too long
or if the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front becomes too small.
i When changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive
vehicles and the right lane on right-hand
drive vehicles.GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS and Active Blind Spot Assist
are only aids designed to assist driving.
They do not relieve you of the responsibility
of paying attention. The driver remains fully
responsible for the vehicle's distance from
other vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for
braking in good time. Always pay attention to
traffic conditions and your surroundings.
Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers
in time, cause an accident and injure yourself
and others.
Stopping
GWARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated.
DISTRONIC PLUS must also never be
operated, activated or deactivated by a
passenger or from outside the vehicle.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the
electric parking brake and must not be used
for parking.
The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is
canceled and the vehicle can start moving if:
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the
cruise control lever.
R you accelerate.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it,
deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the
vehicle against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle
in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until
it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress the
brake.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
i Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a
standstill at a sufficient distance behind the
vehicle in front. The specified minimum
distance is set using the control on the
cruise control lever.
Setting a speedGWARNING
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
XPress the cruise control lever up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.XTo adjust the speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up : or
down ; to the pressure point.
The last speed stored is increased or
decreased every time the cruise control
lever is pushed up : or down ;.XTo adjust the speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise control leverDriving systems341Driving and parkingZ

HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
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.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
R the vehicle is stationary.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the electric parking brake is released.
R the hood is closed.
R the transmission is in position R, N or D.
The trunk lid must be closed in position R.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function
XMake sure that the activation conditions
are met.XDepress the brake pedal.XQuickly depress the brake pedal further
until ë appears in the instrument
cluster.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.GWARNING
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is
to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a
car wash or by towing).
Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you apply the brakes again with a certain
amount of pressure until ë disappears
from the instrument cluster.
R you secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
GWARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD
function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by a passenger or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
electric parking brake and must not be used
for parking.
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
R the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
346Driving systemsDriving and parking