MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 Owners Manual

GWARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running.There may be a malfunction, for example:
R in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system (for vehicles with a gasoline engine)
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states, you must immediately visit a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning
lamp lights up. This is due to the legal requirements in effect in
these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry
( Y page 324).XStart the engine three to four times after refueling.
If the yellow Check Engine warning lamp goes out, emergency
running mode is canceled. The vehicle need not be checked.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster429On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the ;
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 336) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 77).
430Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit.GRisk of accident
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 499).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 515).h
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor (pressure
loss/
malfunction)warning
lamp flashes for one
minute and then
remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is faulty.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least once every two weeks
when cold and inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the driver's side B-pillar or the tire pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure indicator lamp when one or more of your tires
are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure indicator lamp.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the indicator lamp will flash for
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster431On-board computer and displaysZ

approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will be
repeated every time the vehicle is started as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels
on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.432Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Useful information ............................434
Loading guidelines ............................434
Stowage areas .................................. 434
Features ............................................. 439433Stowage and features

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).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the gross axle weight rating of the
vehicle (including occupants). The values
are specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the B-pillar of the driver's door.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk as
possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear seat
backrests.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage space
Important safety notes
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find the following installed in the
glove box: an audio and video AUX jack, a
USB socket or Media Interface, a universal
interface for portable audio equipment, e.g.
for an iPod or USB device, and a bracket for
434Stowage areasStowage and features

a remote control (see the COMAND section
in this Operator's Manual).
i The glove box can be ventilated
( Y page 303).XTo open: press button :.XTo close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
1Glove box unlocked2Glove box locked
Eyeglasses compartment
XTo open: press marking :.
Stowage compartment under the armrest
i The º Roadside Assistance call button
( Y page 447) and the E MB Info call
button ( Y page 448) are located in the
stowage compartment under the armrest.
i In the stowage compartment, there is a
partition which can be used to divide up the
stowage compartment.
XTo open: press button : and fold the
armrest to the left or right.
Stowage compartments in the doors
GWARNING
Keep the door storage compartments closed
while vehicle is in motion. Failure to do so may
cause the seat belt to catch at the rear and
prevent proper positioning of the seat belt.
XTo open: pull cover : upwards.Stowage areas435Stowage and featuresZ

Coat hook
The coat hooks are located on the left and
right in the headliner in the rear
compartment.
! Only hang light loads on the coat hooks.
Do not place a load of more than 6.6 lbs
(3 kg) on the coat hooks.XTo open: press coat hook :.
The coat hooks fold out.XTo close: press coat hook : until it
engages.
Stowage space in the rear
Stowage compartment in the rear seat
armrest
! Do not sit or lean your bodyweight on the
armrests when they are folded out as you
could damage them.
! Close the cover of the stowage
compartment before folding the rear seat
armrest back into the seat backrest.
Vehicles without a control panel in the rear seat
armrest
XTo open: fold down the seat armrest.XPull handle : and fold the armrests
upwards.
Vehicles with a control panel in the rear seat
armrest
XTo open: press button : and fold up the
armrest.
Stowage box between the rear seats
XTo open: pull handle : backwards in the
direction of the arrow.
Stowage box in the rear seat backrest
! Do not sit or lean your bodyweight on the
armrests when they are folded out as you
could damage them.
436Stowage areasStowage and features

XTo open: fold down the rear seat armrest.XPull handle : and fold down cover ;.
i
It will be easier to open the cover when
the rear seats are in the basic position.
Stowage pockets
GWARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
Storage bags are located in the rear
compartment on the driver's and front-
passenger seat backrests.
Parcel nets
GWARNING
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the left and right-hand sides
of the trunk.
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
There are four cargo tie down rings in the
trunk.
Bag hook
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load
of 6.6lbs (3kg) and should not be used to
secure a load.
Stowage areas437Stowage and featuresZ

XPull bag hook ; down by tab :.
Stowage well under the trunk floor
Stowage well
You can store a suitcase in the stowage well
underneath the front section of the trunk
floor.
! Fold down the suitcase handle before
closing the trunk. You could otherwise
damage the trunk lid.
:Trunk floor;Stowage well for suitcases
Rear stowage compartment
In the S 600 model, you can fold the rear part
of the trunk floor forwards.
:Stowage well;Stowage compartment
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Only use roof racks approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage
to the vehicle.
Follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof rack loaded.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
438Stowage areasStowage and features