MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 Owners Manual

All-weather tiresAlloy wheelsV1V2V3V4BA255/40 R19 100 V XL M+S8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)###—FA

RA255/40 R19 100 V XL M+S

275/40 R19 101 V M+S 298.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)
9.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)#—#—Winter tiresAlloy wheelsV1V2V3V4BA255/45 R18 99 V
M+S i 308.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)###—BA255/40 R19 100 V XL
M+S i 308.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)####FA

RA255/40 R19 100 V XL
M+S i
275/40 R19 105 V XL
M+S i 298.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)
9.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)———#"Minispare" emergency spare wheel 29TiresWheelsV1V2V3V4T 155/70 R19 113 M
Tire pressure: 420 kPa (4.2 bar/
61 psi)4.5 B x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.38 in (35 mm)####
i The specified tire pressure is printed in yellow on the emergency spare wheel.
29
Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
30 Only fine-link snow chains are permitted.Wheel and tire combinations519Wheels and tiresZ

520

Useful information ............................522
Notes on technical data ...................522
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .........522
Warranty ............................................ 523
Identification plates .........................523
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ..................................................... 524
Vehicle data ...................................... 531521Technical data

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).
Notes on technical data
GWARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers.
i The data stated here specifically refers to
a vehicle with standard equipment. Consult
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center data
for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
All Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain a supply
of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for
necessary service and repair work. In
addition, strategically located parts delivery
centers provide for quick and reliable parts
service.
There are more than 300,000 different
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts available for
Mercedes-Benz models.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to
strict quality control. Each part has been
specially developed, manufactured or
selected for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
fine-tuned for them.
Therefore, only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
should be used.
GWARNING
Driving safety may be impaired if non-
approved parts, tires and wheels or safety-
relevant accessories are used.
This could lead to malfunctions in safety-
relevant systems, e.g. the brake system. This
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and cause an accident.
For this reason, Mercedes-Benz recommends
that you use genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or
parts of equal quality. Only use tires, wheels
and accessories that have been specifically
approved for your vehicle.
! Air bags and Emergency Tensioning
Devices, as well as control units and
sensors for these restraint systems may be
installed in the following areas of your
vehicle:
R doors
R door pillars
R door sills
R seats
R dashboard
R instrument cluster
R center console
Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint
systems.
Have aftermarket accessories installed at
a qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose.
HEnvironmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. They are covered by the
same Limited Warranty entitlements as new
parts.
Always specify the vehicle identification
number (VIN) ( Y page 523) and the engine
522Genuine Mercedes-Benz partsTechnical data

number (Y page 524) when ordering
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts.
Warranty
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your vehicle.
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 System 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)
Replacement parts and accessories are
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and
Accessories warranties. You can obtain
information about this from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Should you lose your Service and
Warranty Information booklet, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center arrange
for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.
Identification plates
Vehicle identification plate with
vehicle identification number (VIN)
and paint code number
XOpen the driver's door.
You will see vehicle identification plate :.
Example: vehicle identification plate (USA only)
;VIN=Paint code
Example: vehicle identification plate (Canada only)
;VIN=Paint codeIdentification plates523Technical dataZ

iThe data shown on the identification plate
is example data. This data is different for
every vehicle and can deviate from the data
shown here. You can find the data
applicable to your vehicle on the vehicle's
identification plate.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) can
be found in the following locations:
R on the vehicle identification plate
( Y page 523)
R at the lower edge of the windshield
( Y page 524)
In addition to being stamped on the vehicle
identification plate, the vehicle identification
number (VIN) is also stamped onto the vehicle
body. It is under the trim behind the rear seat
armrest.
XFold down the rear seat armrest.XOpen the trim.
You will see vehicle identification number
(VIN) :.Engine number:Emission control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards;Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)=VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
Service products and filling
capacities
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.
Service products include the following:
R fuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel)
R additives for exhaust gas aftertreatment,
e.g. DEF
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
524Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

Rwindshield washer fluid
R climate control system refrigerant
Vehicle components and their service
products must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Information about tested and approved
products can be obtained from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
You can recognize service products approved
by Mercedes-Benz by the following
inscription on the containers:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations
indicate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet number (e.g.
MB 229.5). They have not necessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Fuel
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable
and poisonous. They burn violently and can
cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or
clothing contact. Extinguish all smoking
materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
Tank capacityTotal capacity
S 550 31
S 550 4MATIC 31
S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC21.9 US gal (83.0 l)S 600
AMG vehicles23.8 US gal (90.0 l)Of which reserveApprox.
2.9 US gal (11.0 l)Of which reserve fuel,
AMG vehiclesApprox.
3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
! To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline may be used.
If there is no premium-grade unleaded
gasoline available and regular unleaded
gasoline must be used, please observe the
following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular unleaded gasoline and fill the rest
31 BlueEFFICIENCYService products and filling capacities525Technical dataZ

with premium-grade unleaded gasoline
as soon as possible.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R if the vehicle is carrying a light load, e.g.
two passengers without luggage, do not
allow the engine to rev above 3000 rpm.
R if the vehicle is fully loaded or is being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than Ô of the pedal travel.
Only refuel with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a minimum octane number of
91.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline with additives can be used.
However, the concentration of additives in
the fuel must be less than 10%, e.g.
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline
including other additives must not exceed
3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used.
All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
i For further information, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or visit
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).Information on refueling ( Y page 321).
Additives
! Do not refuel with low-grade fuel and do
not use fuel additives that are not tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Damage to or malfunctions of the fuel
system may otherwise occur.
One of the main problems of poor fuel quality
is the forming of deposits that are created
during the gasoline combustion process.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
branded fuels that have additives.
If you use fuels without these additives over
a longer period of time, carbon deposits may
build up. These deposits form at the inlet
valves and in the combustion chamber in
particular.
This could lead to engine problems, e.g.:
R longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise
R misfiring
R loss of power
Carbon deposits may form if the availability
of gasoline with relevant additives is
insufficient (in certain regions). In this case,
Mercedes-Benz recommends additives
approved for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles;
see http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
For a list of approved products, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Comply
with the instructions for use on the product
label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
Diesel
Fuel grade
GWARNING
Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Never mix diesel with gasoline.
This causes damage to the fuel system and
526Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

engine and could result in the vehicle catching
fire.
! Only use commercially available vehicular
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD,
15 ppm maximum sulfur content) that
meets the ASTM D975 standard. If you do
not refuel with ULSD, you may damage the
BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment
system of the vehicle.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not mix diesel fuel with
gasoline, kerosene or paraffin. This may
otherwise result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
i For further information, consult a
qualified specialist workshop or on the
Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Information on refueling ( Y page 321).
Bio-diesel - FAME (fatty acid methyl ester)
Mercedes-Benz USA approves the use of bio-
diesel B5 for all BlueTEC diesel engines. The
concentration of bio-diesel in the ULSD may
not exceed 5 % by volume.
Pure biodiesel and diesel fuel with a higher
percentage of biodiesel, such as B20, can
damage the engine and the fuel system. For
this reason, they are not approved.
For more information, consult the gas station
staff. The bio-diesel B5 label on the gasoline
pump must clearly state that the standard for
ULSD has been fulfilled. If the label is not
clear, do not refuel the vehicle.
Do not refuel your vehicle with fuels unless
they have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on refueling ( Y page 321).Low outside temperatures
i Diesel fuel with improved cold flow
properties is available during the winter
months. Further information about fuel
properties can be obtained from oil
companies, e.g. at gas stations.
Flow improver
To improve the low-temperature resistance of
diesel fuel, a flow improver can be attached.
The effectiveness of a flow improver is not
guaranteed for every fuel.
Only use flow improvers tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz. During use, please
observe the information on operation.
Correct dosage and sufficient mixing are
decisive in improving low-temperature
resistance with the flow improver.
Overdosage can potentially even decrease
low-temperature resistance and must
therefore be avoided. Follow the
manufacturer's guidelines on dosage.
Mix the additive into the diesel in good time,
before the flow characteristics of the diesel
become insufficient. Otherwise, malfunctions
can arise through heating the fuel system,
e.g. through parking in a heated garage.
More information about recommended flow
improvers can be obtained from any qualified
specialist workshop.
DEF
Please bear the following in mind
DEF is a non-flammable, non-toxic, colorless,
odorless and water-soluble fluid.
High outside temperatures
GWARNING
If you open the DEF tank cap, small amounts
of ammonia vapor may be released. This
depends in particular upon the age of the DEF.
Service products and filling capacities527Technical dataZ

Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to:
R skin
R mucous membranes
R eyes
You may experience a burning sensation in
your eyes, nose and throat, as well as
coughing and watering of the eyes.
Do not inhale any ammonia vapors that may
be released. Fill the DEF tank only in well-
ventilated areas.
Low outside temperatures
DEF freezes at a temperature of
approximately 12 ‡ (-11 †). The vehicle is
equipped with a DEF preheating system when
it leaves the factory. Winter operation is
therefore also guaranteed at temperatures
below 12 ‡ (-11 †).
Additives
! Only use DEF in accordance with ISO
22241. Do not use additives with DEF and
do not dilute DEF with water. This may
destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment system.
Purity
! Impurities in DEF (e.g. due to other
service products, cleaning agents or dust)
lead to:
R increased emission values
R damage to the catalytic converter
R engine damage
R malfunctions in the BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment system
Assuring the purity of DEF is particularly
important with respect to avoiding
malfunctions in the BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment system.
If DEF is pumped out of the DEF tank, e.g.
during repair work, it must not be returned to
the tank. The purity of the fluid can no longer
be guaranteed.
Total capacity of the DEF tankModelTotal capacityS 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC6.6 US gal (25.0 l)
Engine oil
Please bear the following in mind
! Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to
fulfill the prescribed service intervals. Do
not change the engine oil or oil filter in
order to achieve longer replacement
intervals than those prescribed. You could
otherwise cause engine damage or damage
to the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Follow the instructions in the service
interval display regarding the oil change.
Otherwise, you may damage the engine and
the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
The engine oils are matched to the
performance of Mercedes-Benz engines and
service intervals. You should therefore only
use engine oils and oil filters that are
approved for vehicles with maintenance
systems.
For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Or go to
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com (USA only).
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle.
528Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data