coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 Owners Manual

Climate controlAutomatic climate control .............295
COMAND ....................................... 269
Controlling automatically ...............297
Controlling centrally (COMAND) ....272
Cooling with air dehumidification ..297
Cooling with air dehumidification
(COMAND) ..................................... 271
Defrosting the windows .................300
Defrosting the windshield ..............300
Important safety notes ..................294
Indicator lamp ................................ 297
Main menu ..................................... 271
Maximum cooling .......................... 300
Notes on using automatic climate
control ........................................... 296
Overview of systems ......................294
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 297
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 301
Rear compartment (COMAND) ......273
Rear control panel .........................295
Setting the air distribution .............299
Setting the airflow .........................299
Setting the airflow (COMAND) .......273
Setting the air vents ......................302
Setting the footwell temperature
(COMAND) ..................................... 272
Setting the temperature ................298
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 301
Switching on/off ........................... 296
Switching residual heat on/off ......302
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 301
Coat hooks ......................................... 436
Cockpit Overview .......................................... 36
see Instrument cluster
Color, setting (TV, video) .................. 244
COMAND At a glance (overview) .................... 122
Back button ................................... 123
Basic functions .............................. 137
Components .................................. 122
Display ........................................... 125
Example of operation .....................132Function buttons ........................... 123
Menu overview .............................. 125
Remote control .............................. 129
Switching on/off ........................... 137
System settings ............................. 147
COMAND controller ........................... 122
COMAND display Cleaning instructions .....................129
Folding in and swiveling .................128
Setting ........................................... 147
COMAND operating system .............. 122
Combination switch .......................... 283
Compass function ............................. 192
Conference connection ..................... 205
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 378
Contrast, setting (TV, video) ............ 244
Convenience closing feature .............. 97
Convenience opening feature ............ 96
Convenience telephone Importing contacts ........................208
Convenience telephony .................... 197
Introduction ................................... 197
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level .........................463
Display message ............................ 406
Filling capacity ............................... 530
Notes ............................................. 530
Temperature (on-board computer) . 381
Temperature gauge ........................ 374
Cooling
see Climate control
Copy protection (CD/DVD) ............... 234
Cornering light function Display message ............................ 403
Function/notes ............................. 284
Cruise control
Cruise control lever .......................335
Deactivating ................................... 336
Display message ............................ 417
Driving system ............................... 334
Function/notes ............................. 334
Important safety notes ..................334
Setting a speed .............................. 335
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 3358Index

Important safety notes ..................107
Multicontour seat .......................... 112
Seat heating problem ....................113
Seat ventilation problem ................114
Selecting (COMAND) .....................274
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 118
Switching seat heating on/off .......113
Switching seat ventilation on/off ..113
Selecting stations (radio)
Using station presets .....................216
Using station search ......................216
Sending DTMF tones ......................... 207
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 470
Service Center see Qualified specialist workshop
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........465
Hiding service messages ...............465
Notes ............................................. 465
Service messages ..........................465
Service menu (on-board computer) . 387
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 529
Coolant (engine) ............................ 530
DEF special additives .....................527
Engine oil ....................................... 528
Fuel ................................................ 525
Important safety notes ..................524
Washer fluid ................................... 531
Setting a station (radio)
Via manual frequency entry ...........217
Settings
Display ........................................... 147
Menu overview .............................. 125
On-board computer .......................387
Picture (COMAND) .........................244
Picture (Rear Seat Entertainment
System) ......................................... 253
Sound settings ............................... 139
System settings ............................. 147
Setting the language
COMAND ....................................... 153
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...262
Setting the night design ................... 147
Setting the text reader speed .......... 149
Setting the vehicle level ................... 349Setting the volume
Telephone calls .............................. 138
Video AUX ..................................... 250
Side impact air bag ............................. 52
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 405
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............97
Convenience opening feature ..........96
Important safety information ...........95
Opening/closing .............................. 96
Problem (malfunction) .....................98
Resetting ......................................... 98
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................98
Opening/closing .............................. 99
Problem (malfunction) ...................103
Resetting ....................................... 100
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................85
Changing the programming .............84
Checking the battery .......................85
Convenience closing feature ............97
Convenience opening feature ..........96
Display message ............................ 421
Door central locking/unlocking .......82
Important safety notes ....................82
Loss ................................................. 87
Mechanical key ................................ 84
Positions (ignition lock) .................307
Problem (malfunction) .....................87
Starting the engine ........................309
SMS message
see Text message
Snow chains ...................................... 495
Socket Glove box ....................................... 444
Sockets
Points to observe before use .........443
Rear compartment .........................444
Trunk ............................................. 444
Sound menu ....................................... 139
Sounds see Sound settings Index21

Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the rear
control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press rocker switch
K (Y page 295) up or down and select
AUTO .
or
XPress rocker switch K(Y page 295) up or
down and select MAN.XTo switch off: press rocker switch
K (Y page 295) up or down and select
OFF .
Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
You can activate or deactivate the cooling
with air dehumidification function via
COMAND ( Y page 271).
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function
If you can no longer switch on the cooling with
air dehumidification function via COMAND,
the cooling with air dehumidification function
is switched off due to a malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
Controlling the front climate control
using the front control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.X To switch on: press the à rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the à rocker
switch lights up.Operating the climate control systems297Climate controlZ

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

vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the left-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
! A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over
248 ‡(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged.
Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display ( Y page 376).
GWARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Operating the on-board computer
The on-board computer is activated as soon
as you turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.:Multifunction display;~
Rejects or ends a call
Exits phone book/redial memory
6
Makes or accepts a call
Switches to the redial memory
WX
Adjusts the volume or operates the
RACETIMER in AMG vehicles
8
Mute=?
Switches on the Voice Control
System; see the separate operating
instructionsDisplays and operation375On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Please Switch Off
LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop.Adaptive High-beam
Assist InoperativeAdaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 463).XIf coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.GWARNING
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Low Stop
Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.406Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by
the service system has been exceeded
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap : counterclockwise and remove
it.XAdd engine oil.
Vehicles with oil level measurement
function in the on-board computer: observe
the information in the on-board computer
when doing so. Vehicles with oil dipstick: if
the oil level is at or below the MIN mark onthe oil dipstick, add 0.55 to 1.1 US qt (0.5
to 1.0 l) engine oil.XReplace cap : on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.XCheck the oil level again with the oil
dipstick ( Y page 460) or the on-board
computer ( Y page 460).
Further information on engine oil
( Y page 528).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
GWARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
Engine compartment463Maintenance and careZ

XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 307).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice ( Y page 307).XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).XTurn the SmartKey to position
0 (Y page 307) in the ignition lock.XSlowly turn cap : half a turn
counterclockwise to allow excess pressure
to escape.XTurn cap : further counterclockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
( Y page 530).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
systemGWARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
Example: washer fluid reservoir
Depending on the engine, the washer fluid
reservoir may be installed in different
locations.
XTo open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.XAdd the premixed washer fluid.XTo close: press cap : onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze ( Y page 531).
Brake fluid level
! If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir has fallen to the MIN mark or
below, check the brake system
immediately for leaks. Also check the
thickness of the brake linings. Visit a
qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not
correct the malfunction.
464Engine compartmentMaintenance and care