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

Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
AIRMATIC
Vehicle level
Important safety notes
Your vehicle regulates its height
automatically. All-round level control ensures
the best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle.
When you drive fast, the vehicle is lowered
automatically to improve driving safety and to
reduce fuel consumption.
The following vehicle levels are possible on
vehicles without 4MATIC:
R Normal
R raised: the vehicle is raised by about 1 in
(25 mm) when compared with the normal
level
R lowered: the vehicle is lowered by about
0.60 in (15 mm) when compared with the
normal level
The following vehicle levels are possible on
vehicles with 4MATIC:
R normal: in Comfort mode, the vehicle is
raised by about 0.40 in (10 mm) when
compared with Sport mode
R raised: in Comfort mode, the vehicle is
raised by about 0.60 in (15 mm) and in
Sport mode by about 1 in (25 mm) when
compared with normal level
R lowered: the vehicle is lowered by about
0.40 in (10mm) when compared with the
normal level
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can
be set manually.
The "Lowered” vehicle level is set
automatically:
R in vehicles without 4MATIC at speeds
above 60 mph (100 km/h)
R in vehicles with 4MATIC at speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h).
Setting the vehicle level
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Setting raised level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
The Vehicle Rising message appears in
the display.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R drive at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h)
R drive for about three minutes at speeds
above 50 mph (80 km/h).
The "Raised level" remains active when you
are not driving within these speed ranges.
Driving systems347Driving and parkingZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up.
The power supply for the electric parking brake was interrupted.XPull the electric parking brake handle.
or
XPull away carefully.
or
XPull the electric parking brake handle until the display message
disappears.The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and the yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.XEngage or release the electric parking brake.
or
XPull away carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.The yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator
lamp flashes for approximately ten seconds after the electric
parking brake has been applied or released. It then goes out or
remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning, e.g. because of
overvoltage or undervoltage.XPull away carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
If there is overvoltage or undervoltage:
XRemove the cause for the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging the battery or restarting the engine.XSwitch the ignition off and on, and then engage or release the
electric parking brake.
If this does not release the electric parking brake:
XDo not drive on.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.396Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

GWARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature is over 248 ‡ (120 †), do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is defective.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages407On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
Check Tire PressureGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 515).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 499).h
Correct Tire
PressureThe tire pressure is too low in at least one of the tires, or the tire
pressure difference between the wheels is too great.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 499).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsShift to P or N
to Start EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position R or D.XShift the transmission to position P or N.Auxiliary Battery
Malfunction
(White display
message)The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer
being charged.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Auxiliary Battery
Malfunction
(Red display message)The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is discharged.
If there is a malfunction in the vehicle's electrical system, you may
not be able to change the transmission position.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Apply Brake to
Shift from 'P'You have attempted to move the transmission selector lever to
position D, R or N without depressing the brake pedal.XDepress the brake pedal.Door Open
Vehicle Not in ParkThe driver's door is open and the transmission is in position R, N
or D.XShift the transmission to position P.XApply the electric parking brake.Display messages419On-board computer and displaysZ

SmartKeyDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÂ
Key Does Not
Belong to VehicleYou have put the wrong SmartKey in the ignition lock.XUse the correct SmartKey.Â
Take Your Key From
IgnitionThe SmartKey is in the ignition lock.XRemove the SmartKey.Â
Obtain a New KeyThe SmartKey needs to be replaced.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Â
Replace Key BatteryThe batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.XChange the batteries ( Y page 85).Â
Don't Forget Your
KeyThe display message is shown for a maximum of 60 seconds and
is only a reminder.
You have opened the driver's door with the engine switched off.
The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the ignition lock.XRemember to take the KEYLESS-GO key with you when you
leave the vehicle.Â
Key Not
Detected (Red display
message)The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the vehicle.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the engine is switched off, you can no longer lock the vehicle
centrally or start the engine.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the electric parking brake.XLocate the KEYLESS-GO key.The KEYLESS-GO key is not detected while the engine is running
because there is interference from a strong source of radio waves.
A warning tone also sounds.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the electric parking brake.XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.Display messages421On-board computer and displaysZ

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
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure any children traveling with you do
not injure themselves or start a fire with the
hot cigarette lighter.
Center console, front
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo open: slide cover : forwards until it
engages.XPress in cigarette lighter ;.
Cigarette lighter ; will pop out
automatically when the heating element is
red-hot.XTo close: press cover : briefly at the
front.
The cover moves back.
Center console, rear compartment
XPress in cigarette lighter :.
Cigarette lighter : will pop out
automatically when the heating element is
red-hot.
12 V sockets
Points to observe before use
The sockets can be used for accessories with
a maximum draw of 180 W (15 A).
Accessories include such items as lamps or
chargers for mobile phones.
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the battery may
discharge.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock.
i An emergency cut-out ensures that the
on-board voltage does not drop too low. If
the on-board voltage is too low, the power
to the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
Features443Stowage and featuresZ

115 V socket : provides an alternating
voltage of 115 V, so that small electronic
devices can be connected. These devices,
such as game consoles, chargers and
laptops, together should not consume more
than a maximum of 150 W.
Requirements for operation of these devices:
R the plug of the electronic device must be
inserted fully into 115 V power socket :.
R the maximum wattage of the device to be
connected must not exceed 150 W.
R the on-board power supply is within a
permissible voltage range.
R the 12 V socket in the trunk is operational
( Y page 443).XOpen flap =.XInsert the plug of the electronic device into
115 V power socket :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up.
If indicator lamp ; does not light up,
consult the section on malfunctions.XTo turn off: disconnect the plug from
115 V power socket :.
Ensure that you do not pull on the cord.
Possible causes of malfunction:
R the on-board power supply is not within a
permissible voltage range.
R the temperature of the DC/AC converter is
temporarily too high.
R some small electronic devices have a
constant nominal power of less than
150 W, but a very high inrush current.
These devices will not work. If you connect
such a device, 115 V power socket : will
not supply it with power.
If indicator lamp ; still does not light up,
contact a specialist workshop.
mbrace
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Ensure that
your system is activated and ready for use,
and press the E MB Info call button to
register. If any of the steps mentioned is
not carried out, the system may not be
activated.
If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
assistance services:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
Shortly after successfully registering with the
mbrace service, a user ID and password will
be sent to you by mail. You can use this
password to log in to the mbrace section
under "Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 22
.
The mbrace system is available if:
R it has been activated and is operational.
R the corresponding mobile phone network
is available for transmitting data to the
Customer Center.
R a service subscription is available.
R the starter battery is sufficiently charged.
i Determining the location of the vehicle on
a map is only possible if there is sufficient
GPS reception and the vehicle position can
be forwarded to the Customer Center.
The mbrace system
The mbrace system provides different
services, e.g.:
R automatic and manual emergency call
R Roadside Assistance call
R MB Info call
22USA only.Features445Stowage and featuresZ

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

position P automatically and locks the
wheels. You can prevent this by shifting
the automatic transmission to N
beforehand.
R Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position P
automatically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N:XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.XTurn the key to position 2(Y page 307) in
the ignition lock.
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.XDepress and hold the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission to
position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the electric parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
R the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
R the windshield wiper switch is in position
0 .
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned.XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.XUse a soft sponge to clean.XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.XDo not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
Care467Maintenance and careZ

Useful information ............................474
Where will I find...? ...........................474
Flat tire .............................................. 475
Battery ............................................... 480
Jump-starting .................................... 483
Towing and tow-starting ..................485
Fuses .................................................. 487473Breakdown assistance