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

When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 42 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-
month-old child seated in a standard child
restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or a small adult), the
42 indicator lamp will illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds when the engine
is started and then, depending on occupant
weight sensor readings from the front-
passenger seat, remain illuminated or go out.
With the 42 indicator lamp
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
is deactivated. With the 42
indicator lamp out, the front-passenger front
air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds
when the engine is started and then go out,
indicating that the front-passenger front air
bag is activated.
If the 42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
is deactivated and will not be deployed.
If the 42 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
is activated and will be deployed:
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
R independently of the side impact air bagsIf the front-passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by:
R the rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed
by the air bag control unit
R the front passenger's weight category as
identified by OCS
For further information, see "Air bag display
messages" ( Y page 401).GWARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seats whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint system must be
properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt,
the seat belt and Top Tether strap, or lower
anchors and Top Tether strap, fully in
accordance with the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriate sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front-
passenger seat:
R Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
front-passenger front air bag in your vehicle
when the system senses the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child or less along
Occupant safety55SafetyZ

Problems with the Occupant Classification SystemProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe 42
indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated.
The person on the
front-passenger seat:
R has the weight of a
typical adult
R has been determined
by the system not to
be a childThe OCS is malfunctioning.XHave the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display ( Y page 401).GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated when the weight of a
typical adult or someone larger than a small individual has been detected on the passenger seat,
the system then determines the occupant cannot be a child. Do not allow any occupant to use
the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe 42
indicator lamp does not
illuminate and/or does
not remain illuminated.
The front-passenger
seat is:
R unoccupied
R occupied with a
weight up to that of a
typical twelve-
month-old child in a
standard child
restraint systemThe OCS is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the
child seat.XCheck the installation of the child restraint system.XMake sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto
the seat.XIf the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate, have
the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front-
passenger seat as long as the OCS is not functioning.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display ( Y page 401).GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less, or is unoccupied, on the front-
passenger seat, do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
58Occupant safetySafety

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

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

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

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 31).
Correcting the driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment ( Y page 107).
XCheck whether you have adjusted seat =
properly.
Electrical seat adjustment ( Y page 108)
When adjusting the seat, make sure:
R you are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
R you are sitting in a normal upright
position.R you can fasten the seat belt properly.
R you have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.
R you have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
R you can depress the pedals properly.XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly ( Y page 110).
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted the head restraint so that the back
of your head is supported at eye level by
the center of the head restraint.
Observe the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment ( Y page 114).
XCheck whether steering wheel : is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel electrically
( Y page 114)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts
( Y page 61).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
belt ; properly ( Y page 63).
The seat belt should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R be routed in your pelvic area across the
hip jointsXBefore starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors
( Y page 116) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.XVehicles with a memory function: save
the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror
settings ( Y page 118).106Correcting the driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

Declarations of conformity
Vehicle components which receive and/
or transmit radio waves
USA only: The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: 1) These devices may not cause
harmful interference, and 2) These devices
must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Canada only: The wireless devices of this
vehicle comply with Industry Canada license-
exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) These
devices may not cause interference, and (2)
These devices must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Correct use
Observe the following information when using
COMAND:
R the safety notes in this manual
R national road traffic regulations
i Work improperly carried out on electronic
components or systems (e.g. radio, DVD
changer) and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Even
systems that have not been modified could
be affected because the electronic
systems are connected. Electronic
malfunctions can seriously jeopardize the
operational safety of your vehicle.
i Therefore, have all work on or
modifications to electronic components
carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
i Protection against theft: this device is
equipped with technical provisions to
protect it against theft. You can obtain
further information about protecting
against theft from a qualified specialist
workshop.
Function restrictions
For safety reasons, some COMAND functions
are restricted or unavailable while the vehicle
is in motion. You will notice this, for example,
because you will not be able to select certain
menu items. In some cases, COMAND will
also display a message to this effect.
To protect the integrated hard drive against
damage, COMAND deactivates it at very high
temperatures. The following functions will be
temporarily unavailable:
R navigation
R the Voice Control System
R the address book
R MUSIC REGISTER
Introduction121COMANDZ

At a glance
COMAND operating system
Overview
FunctionPage:COMAND display126;COMAND controller and
function buttons
122
=Telephone keypad124
Components of COMAND
COMAND consists of:
R the COMAND display/SPLITVIEW
R the DVD changer
R the COMAND controller
R the COMAND function buttons
R
the telephone keypad
R connections in the glove box (USB,
additional USB, jack plug and iPod ®
connection)
R a remote control for the front passenger
and for use with the Rear Seat
Entertainment System
R two sets of cordless headphones for the
Rear Seat Entertainment System
R cordless headphones for the front
passenger
R two screens (Rear Seat Entertainment
System)
R CD/DVD drive (Rear Seat Entertainment
System)
R audio/video connections on the screen
(Rear Seat Entertainment System)
R audio/video connections on the drive (Rear
Seat Entertainment System)
You can use COMAND to operate the
following main functions:
R the navigation system
R the audio function with radio and satellite
radio modes, disk (audio CD/DVD and MP3
mode), memory card (MP3 mode), MUSIC
REGISTER, Bluetooth ®
audio, Media
Interface and audio AUX
R the telephone and the address book
R the video function with video DVD and
video AUX modes
R the system settings
You can call up the main functions:
R using the corresponding function buttons
or
R using the main function bar in the COMAND
display
COMAND controller
You can use the COMAND controller to select
the menu items in the COMAND display.
You can call up menus or lists, scroll through
menus or lists and exit menus or lists.
122At a glanceCOMAND

The COMAND controller can be:
R pressed briefly or pressed and held W
R turned clockwise or counter-clockwise
cVd
R slid left or right XVY
R slid forwards or back ZVÆ
R slid diagonally aVb
In the instructions, operating sequences are
described as follows:
XPress the R button.
Audio mode is activated.XSelect Audio by sliding VÆ and turning
cVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.
The audio menu appears.
Back button
:Back buttonXTo exit the menu: press back button :
briefly.
COMAND changes to the next higher menu
level in the current operating mode.i You can also exit a menu by sliding XVY
or ZV Æ the COMAND controller.XTo switch to the basic display: press and
hold back button :.
COMAND changes to the basic display of
the current operating mode.
Function buttons
The COMAND function buttons allow you to
select a main function directly.
:Function button for roller sunblind;Function button for radio and CD/DVD or
SD card=Back button?Lumbar support/multicontour seatAFunction button for telephone and
navigation systemBOn/off button for COMANDCVolume controlDProgrammable button ( Y page 124)
Example:
XTo select the radio or CD menu
directly: press R button ; once or
twice.At a glance123COMANDZ

Assigning the programmable button
(favorites):Programmable button
You can assign the following predefined
functions to the h programmable button:
R ECO : you can activate or deactivate the ECO
start/stop function.
R Massage, Driver's Seat : you can switch
the massage function for the driver's seat
on and off.
R Massage, Front Passenger's Seat :
you can switch the massage function for
the front-passenger seat on and off.
R Massage, Driver's and Front
Passenger's Seat : you can switch the
massage function for the driver's and front-
passenger seats on and off.
R Display OFF : you can switch the
COMAND display off or on.
R Tow-away Alarm : you can arm or
deactivate the tow-away alarm.
R Interior Motion Sensor : you can arm or
deactivate the interior motion sensor.
R Tow-away Alarm and Interior Motion
Sensor : you can arm or deactivate the tow-
away alarm and the interior motion sensor.
R Repeat Navigation Command : you can
have the most recent recommendation by
the navigation system repeated.
XTo assign the programmable button:
select Vehicle by sliding VÆ and turningcVd the COMAND controller and press
W to confirm.XSelect System and press W to confirm.XSelect Favorites Button and press W to
confirm.
The list of predefined functions appears.
The # dot in front of the list entry indicates
the current setting.XTo change the setting: turn cVd the
COMAND controller and select the desired
function.XTo store the setting and exit the menu:
press W the COMAND controller.
Telephone keypad
:Telephone keypad;Folding cover124At a glanceCOMAND