fuel cap MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 Owners Manual

ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 76
Exhaust check ................................... 331
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 470
Exterior lighting see Exterior lighting
Exterior mirror parking position
Adjusting (COMAND) .....................266
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 116
Dipping (automatic) .......................117
Folding in/out (automatically) .......116
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........116
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...116
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 118
Storing the parking position ..........117
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 435
F
Factory setting (reset function) ....... 154
Fader, setting .................................... 139
Fast forward Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........230
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...260
Video DVD ..................................... 247
Fast rewind
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........230
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...260
Video DVD ..................................... 247
Favorites (COMAND) ......................... 124
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap
First-aid kit ......................................... 474
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 475
MOExtended run-flat system .........480
Preparing the vehicle .....................475
Raising the vehicle .........................476
Floormat ............................................. 455
Freeway information ......................... 191
Front fog lamps ................................. 282
Display message ............................ 404
Switching on/off ........................... 282
Front-passenger seat
Adjusting from the driver's seat ..... 109
Adjusting from the rear
compartment ................................. 109
Front windshield
see Windshield
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 526
Displaying the current
consumption .................................. 378
Displaying the range ......................378
Driving tips .................................... 330
Fuel gauge ....................................... 37
Grade (gasoline) ............................ 525
Important safety notes ..................525
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 525
Problem (malfunction) ...................324
Quality (diesel) ............................... 526
Refueling ........................................ 321
Tank content/reserve fuel .............525
Fuel filler flap, opening/closing ....... 322
Fuel filter (display message) ............ 409
Fuel level Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 378
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 525
Problem (malfunction) ...................324
Function buttons (COMAND) ............ 123
Fuses Allocation chart ............................. 488
Before changing ............................. 488
Dashboard fuse box .......................488
Engine emergency stop .................490
Fuse box in the engine
compartment ................................. 489
Fuse box in the rear compartment . 488
Important safety notes ..................487
G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................455
Notes ............................................. 452
12Index

pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.GWARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers.
GWARNING
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel system and engine could be damaged. In
addition, the vehicle could catch fire.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a gasoline engine. Even a
small quantity of the wrong fuel will
damage the fuel system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades
can be found in the "Fuel" section
( Y page 525).
Refueling
Fuel filler flap:To open the fuel filler flap;To insert the fuel filler cap=Tire pressure table?Fuel type
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap 8 is
displayed in the instrument cluster. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XKEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door.
This corresponds to SmartKey position 0:
"SmartKey removed".
The driver’s door can be closed again.XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.XOpen the fuel filler flap fully.XTurn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.322RefuelingDriving and parking

XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
i Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel may leak out.
Closing
XReplace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.XClose the fuel filler flap.
i If you drive with the fuel filler cap open,
the reserve fuel warning lamp flashes. In
addition, the ; Check Engine warning
lamp may light up. A message appears in
the multifunction display ( Y page 409).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 429).
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. Otherwise, the locking pin of the
central locking prevents the fuel filler flap
from closing.
Refueling323Driving and parkingZ

DEF (BlueTEC vehicles only)
Important notes on use
To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment must be operated with the
reducing agent DEF. Adding DEF is one of the
tasks performed during maintenance. Under
normal operating conditions, a tank of DEF
lasts until the next service due date.
When the DEF level is too low, the Check
Additive See Operator's Manual
message is shown in the multifunction
display.
When the DEF supply sinks to a minimum
level, the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display.
When the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display, you can
start the engine 16 more times. If DEF is not
added, it will then not be possible to restart
the engine. Fill the DEF tank with about 1 gal
(3.8l) of DEF or have the DEF tank refilled at
a qualified specialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when filling
between maintenance intervals. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center with any
questions or, if necessary, contact Roadside
Assistance ( Y page 29).
If the outside temperature is lower than 12 ‡
( Ò 11†) , damage may occur when adding DEF.
If DEF is frozen and there is an active warning
indicator, adding may not be possible. Park
the vehicle in a warmer place, e.g. in a garage,
until DEF has become fluid again. It will then
be possible to add DEF again. Alternatively,
have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Adding DEFGWARNING
Make sure
R DEF does not come into contact with skin,
eyes, or clothing
R to keep DEF out of the reach of children
If you and/or others have come into contact
with DEF:
R If DEF has gotten into contact with eyes,
flush with plenty of water immediately and
seek medical help.
R Clean affected skin immediately with plenty
of water.
R If DEF was swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Consult a physician.
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.
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.
! Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with
DEF, and do not dilute DEF with water. This
may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment system.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with DEF immediately with water or
remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold
water. If the DEF has already crystallized,
use a sponge and cold water to clean it. DEF
Refueling325Driving and parkingZ

residues crystallize after time and
contaminate the affected surfaces.
! DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to
the fuel tank, this can lead to engine
damage.
! Only screw on the DEF refill bottle hand-
tight. It could otherwise be damaged.
The filler neck for DEF is located under the
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel in the
trunk floor.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the trunk.XLift the trunk floor up ( Y page 438).XTurn the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel fastening in the direction of the
arrow and remove it.XRemove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel.XTurn DEF cap : counter-clockwise and
remove it.XTurn DEF filler cap ; counter-clockwise
and open it.
Filler cap ; is secured with a plastic strap.XUnscrew the covering cap from DEF refill
bottle =.XPlace DEF refill bottle = on the filler neck
as shown and screw on clockwise hand-
tight.XPress DEF refill bottle = down.
The DEF tank is filled. This may take up to
one minute.
i To add between service intervals, fill the
DEF tank with approximately 1 gal (3.8 l) of
DEF. 1 gal (3.8 l) of DEF is equivalent to
approximately 2 DEF refill bottles. Then
have the DEF supply checked at a qualified
specialist workshop and completely refilled
if necessary.
XRelease DEF refill bottle =.
Refilling stops when the DEF refill bottle is
no longer pressed down. The DEF refill
bottle can be removed when it has been
only partially emptied.326RefuelingDriving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8
Reserve FuelThe fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.CThere is only a very small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.XRefuel at the nearest gas station without fail.8
Gas Cap LooseThe fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
XClose the fuel filler cap.
If the fuel filler cap is correctly closed:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.8
Ultra Low-sulfur
Diesel Fuel OnlyVehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel level has fallen below the
reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.XOnly use commercially available vehicular ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM).¸·
Replace Air FilterVehicles with a diesel engine: the engine air filter is dirty and must
be replaced.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.!
Check Fuel FilterVehicles with a diesel engine: there is water in the fuel filter. The
water must be drained off.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Ø
Check Additive See
Oper. ManualThe DEF tank is empty.XHave the DEF tank filled as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop ( Y page 325).Ø
Remaining Starts:
16The DEF level has fallen to a minimum.XHave the DEF tank filled immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop ( Y page 325).Display messages409On-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

Checking the tire pressures
Important safety notes
Observe the "Tire pressure information"
section ( Y page 495).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R in the "Tire pressure information" section
Checking tire pressures manually
To determine and set the correct tire
pressure, proceed as follows:
XRemove the valve cap of the tire that is to
be checked.XPress the tire pressure gauge securely onto
the valve.XRead the tire pressure and compare it with
the recommended value on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the
B-pillar on the driver's side of your vehicle.XIf necessary, increase the tire pressure to
the recommended value ( Y page 495).XIf the tire pressure is too high, release air
by pressing down the metal pin in the valve
using the tip of a pen, for example. Then
check the tire pressure again using the tire
pressure gauge.XScrew the valve cap onto the valve.XRepeat these steps for the other tires.
Tire pressure monitor
Important safety notes
It is the driver's responsibility to set the tire
pressure to that recommended for cold tires
which is suitable for the operating situation
( Y page 495). Note that the correct tire
pressure for the current operating situation
must first be taught-in to the tire pressure
monitor. If there is a substantial loss of
pressure, the warning threshold for the
warning message is aligned to the reference
values taught-in. Restart the tire pressure
monitor after adjusting the pressure of the
cold tires ( Y page 501). The current
pressures are saved as new reference values.
As a result, a warning message will appear if
the tire pressure drops significantly.
The tire pressure monitor does not warn you
of an incorrectly set tire pressure. Observe
the notes on the recommended tire pressure
( Y page 495).
The tire pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tire is penetrated by a foreign object. In the
event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring the
vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Avoid
abrupt steering maneuvers.
If a tire pressure monitor system is installed,
the vehicle's wheels have sensors that
monitor the tire pressures in all four tires. The
tire pressure monitor warns you if the
pressure drops in one or more of the tires. The
tire pressure monitor only functions if the
correct sensors are installed to all wheels.
The tire pressure monitor has a yellow
warning lamp in the instrument cluster for
indicating pressure loss/malfunctions (USA)
or pressure loss (Canada). Whether the
warning lamp flashes or lights up indicates
whether a tire pressure is too low or the tire
pressure monitoring system is
malfunctioning:
R if the warning lamp is lit continuously, the
tire pressure on one or more tires is
significantly too low. The tire pressure
monitor is not malfunctioning.
R USA only: if the warning lamp flashes for
around a minute and then remains lit
constantly, the tire pressure monitor is
malfunctioning.GWARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the pressure
Tire pressure499Wheels and tiresZ

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
load. The actual load on an axle must never
exceed the gross axle weight rating. The
gross axle weight rating can be found on the
vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar on
the driver's side.
Speed rating
The speed rating is part of the tire
identification. It specifies the speed range for
which the tire is approved.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The gross vehicle weight includes the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, tools, the spare
wheel, accessories installed, occupants,
luggage and the drawbar noseweight, if
applicable. The gross vehicle weight must not
exceed the gross vehicle weight rating GVWR
as specified on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar on the driver's side.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is the maximum permissible gross
weight of a fully loaded vehicle (the weight of
the vehicle including all accessories,
occupants, fuel, luggage and the drawbar
noseweight, if applicable). The gross vehicle
weight rating is specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar on the
driver's side.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The maximum weight is the sum of the curb
weight of the vehicle, the weight of the
accessories, the total load limit and the
weight of the optional equipment installed at
the factory.
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa
corresponds to 1 psi. Another unit for tire
pressure is bar. There are 100 kilopascals
(kPa) to 1 bar.
Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifies the load-bearing
capacity more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-
conditioning system and optional equipment
if these are installed in the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load rating in kilograms or
pounds is the maximum weight for which a
tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for tire pressure.
Definition of terms for tires and loading513Wheels and tiresZ

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