headlamp MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2012 Owners Manual

Alertness Assistantsee ATTENTION ASSIST
Alternative route ............................... 175
Ambient light setting (COMAND) ..... 268
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 381
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 442
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 385
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................79
Function ........................................... 79
Switching off the alarm ....................79
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................386
Display message ............................ 410
Function/notes ............................. 359
Audio
Radio mode ................................... 215
Audio database
see MUSIC REGISTER
Audio DVD
Mode, switching to ........................226
Pause function ............................... 227
Playback options ........................... 232
Safety notes .................................. 225
Setting the audio format ................232
Stop function ................................. 228
Audio format, setting
Audio DVD ..................................... 232
Rear Seat Entertainment System ...262
Video DVD ..................................... 249
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 380
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 405
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 311
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 311Automatic headlamp mode .............. 281
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............318
Changing gear ............................... 317
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................314
Display message ............................ 419
Drive position (ECO start/stop
function) ........................................ 315
Driving tips .................................... 317
Emergency running mode ..............321
Engaging drive position .................. 315
Engaging neutral ............................ 315
Engaging reverse gear ...................314
Engaging the park position ............314
Kickdown ....................................... 317
Manual drive program ....................319
Neutral (ECO start/stop function) . 315
Problem (malfunction) ...................321
Program selector button ................317
Pulling away ................................... 309
Shift ranges ................................... 318
Starting the engine ........................309
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......318
Transmission position display ........315
Transmission positions ..................316
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 321
Autostore ........................................... 217
see Station memory (radio)
AUX (audio)
Notes/socket ................................ 243
Switching to ................................... 244
AUX (video)
Setting the picture .........................244
Setting the volume and sound .......250
Showing/hiding the menu .............250
Switching to ................................... 250
B
Back button ....................................... 123
Back support see Lumbar support
Bag hook ............................................ 437
Balance, adjusting ............................. 139
Bang & Olufsen sound system ......... 141
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 74
Index5

CareCarpets .......................................... 472
Car wash ........................................ 466
Display ........................................... 470
Exterior lights ................................ 469
Gear or selector lever ....................472
Interior ........................................... 470
Matte finish ................................... 468
Night View Assist Plus ...................471
Notes ............................................. 466
Paint .............................................. 468
Plastic trim .................................... 471
Power washer ................................ 467
Rear view camera .......................... 470
Roof lining ...................................... 472
Seat belt ........................................ 472
Seat cover ..................................... 472
Sensors ......................................... 470
Steering wheel ............................... 472
Tail pipes ....................................... 470
Trim pieces .................................... 472
Washing by hand ........................... 467
Wheels ........................................... 468
Windows ........................................ 469
Wiper blades .................................. 469
Wooden trim .................................. 472
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 437
Car pool lanes .................................... 173
Car wash (care) ................................. 466
Category Satellite radio ................................ 222
CD
Copy protection ............................. 234
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............230
General information .......................234
Inserting ........................................ 225
Inserting/loading (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................255
Mode, switching to ........................226
Multisession .................................. 233
Notes on discs ............................... 234
Operating the player/changer
(on-board computer) ......................381
Pause function ............................... 227
Playback options ........................... 232
Player/changer operation
(COMAND) ..................................... 225Removing/ejecting (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................256
Safety notes .................................. 225
Selecting a media type ..................228
Selecting a track ............................ 229
Sound settings (balance, bass,
fader, treble) .................................. 139
Center console ..................................... 41
Central locking Automatic locking feature
(COMAND) ..................................... 269
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........82
Changing batteries (remote
control, headphones) ........................ 251
Changing bulbs High-beam headlamps (vehicles
with halogen daytime running
lamps) ............................................ 288
High-beam headlamps (vehicles
with LED daylight lamps) ...............288
Important safety notes ..................286
Overview of bulb types ..................287
Changing direction
Announcement phase ....................171
Change of direction phase .............171
Preparation phase .........................171
Character bar ..................................... 133
Characters Entering ......................................... 134
Entering (address book, phone
book) ............................................. 136
Entering (navigation) ......................133
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes ....................70
Rear doors ....................................... 71
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 66
Restraint systems ............................ 66
Child seat
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 68
Special seat belt retractor ...............68
Top Tether ....................................... 69
Cigarette lighter ................................ 442
Cleaning Mirror turn signal ........................... 470Index7

Opening/closing the garage door ..455
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 453
Gear indicator (on-board
computer) .......................................... 381
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 472
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 522
Glove box ........................................... 434
GPS reception .................................... 155
Gracenote Media Database .............. 231
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Harman/kardon ®
Logic 7 ®
surround sound system see Surround sound (harman/
kardon ®
surround sound system)
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 283
HD Radio™ ......................................... 219
Heading up (navigation) ................... 188
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 531
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....464
Cleaning system (function) ............282
Fogging up ..................................... 285
see Automatic headlamp mode
Headphones
Changing batteries ........................251
Function overview ..........................146
Indicator lamp ................................ 147
Selecting a screen .........................146
Switching on/off ........................... 146
Head restraints
Adjusting ....................................... 110
Adjusting (electrically) ...................110
Adjusting (rear) .............................. 111
NECK-PRO ..................................... 110
NECK-PRO luxury ........................... 110
see NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs (vehicles with
halogen daytime running lamps) ....288
Changing bulbs (vehicles with LED
daylight lamps) .............................. 288
Display message ............................ 404
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 284
Switching on/off ........................... 283
Hill start assist .................................. 310
HOLD function Display message ............................ 412
Function/notes ............................. 346
Home
see Home address
Home address
Entering and saving .......................160
Selecting from the destination
memory ......................................... 163
Hood
Closing ........................................... 459
Display message ............................ 420
Opening ......................................... 458
Hydroplaning ..................................... 333
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 79
In-car hotspot see Separate operating instructions
Incident (traffic report) ..................... 178
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Insect protection on the radiator .... 459
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 37
Warning and indicator lamps ...........38
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Interface (USB, iPod ®
)
see Media Interface
Interior lighting ......................... 267, 285
Ambient light (COMAND) ...............268
Automatic control ..........................286
Index13

Manual control ............................... 286
Overview ........................................ 285
Reading lamp ................................. 285
Intermediate stop
Deleting ......................................... 166
Entering ......................................... 165
iPod ®
Alphabetical track selection ..........242
Connecting to the Media
Interface ........................................ 238
Selecting a category/playlist .........241
Supported variants ........................238
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 474
Using ............................................. 476
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 483
K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............97
Locking ............................................ 83
Start/Stop button .......................... 307
Starting the engine ........................309
Unlocking ......................................... 83
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 307
SmartKey ....................................... 307
Kickdown
Driving tips .................................... 317
Manual drive program ....................320
L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane-change assistant
see Blind Spot Assist
Lane detection (automatic)
see Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating .................387
Display message ............................ 413
Function/information ....................365
Lap time (RACETIMER) ...................... 382
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 68
Letter bar see Character bar
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 404
Light function, active Display message ............................ 405
Lighting
see Lights
Lights
Automatic headlamp mode ............281
Cornering light function .................284
Display message ............................ 403
Driving abroad ............................... 280
Fog lamps ...................................... 282
Hazard warning lamps ...................283
High beam flasher .......................... 283
High-beam headlamps ...................283
Light switch ................................... 280
Low-beam headlamps ....................281
Rear fog lamp ................................ 282
Standing lamps .............................. 280
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 388
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 387
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................281
Turn signals ................................... 283
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 405
Loading guidelines ............................ 434
Locator lighting setting (COMAND) . 268
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 89
Emergency locking ........................... 91
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 89
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 38814Index

Logic 7®
(Harman Kardon ®
surround sound system) see 3D sound (Harman Kardon ®
surround sound system)
Low-beam headlamps
Display message ............................ 403
Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 280
Switching on/off ........................... 281
Lubricant additives
see Additives
Lumbar support
Adjusting ....................................... 112
Lumbar support (COMAND) .............. 274
M
M+S tires ............................................ 494
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Malfunction message
see Display messages
Map (navigation)
Adjusting the scale ........................186
Arrival time/distance to the
destination ..................................... 189
City model ..................................... 190
Display ........................................... 188
Geo-coordinate display ..................190
Heading ......................................... 188
Information in the display ..............189
Moving ........................................... 187
North orientation ........................... 188
Notes ............................................. 186
Point of interest symbols ...............188
Road display .................................. 189
Saving the crosshair position .........187
Setting to the vehicle destination ..187
Topographical map ........................190
Map display (also see navigation)
Traffic reports ................................ 179
Massage function (PULSE) ............... 277
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 468
mbrace
Automatic retrieval of vehicle data
(service due date) ..........................451
Call priority .................................... 449
Display message ............................ 398
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 449
Emergency call .............................. 446
Important safety notes ..................445
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............452
MB info call button ........................448
Remote vehicle locking ..................451
Roadside Assistance button ..........447
Search & Send ............................... 450
Self-test ......................................... 446
System .......................................... 445
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............451
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 84
Unlocking the driver's door ..............90
Media Interface
Active partition .............................. 242
Alphabetical track selection ..........242
Connecting an external audio
source ............................................ 238
Connection options .......................238
iPod ®
............................................. 238
Mode ............................................. 238
Notes on USB devices ...................243
Playback options ........................... 242
Selecting categories ......................241
Selecting folders ............................ 241
Selecting music files ......................240
Selecting playlists ..........................241
Switching to ................................... 238
USB mass storage device ..............238
Media list
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) .........228
Video DVD ..................................... 247
Memory card (audio) ......................... 381
Memory function ............................... 118
Menu item Selecting ........................................ 130
Message memory (on-board
computer) .......................................... 390
Messages
see Display messages Index15

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:Turn signal283;Electric parking brake (red)424F (USA only)! (Canada only)=Electric parking brake
(yellow)
424
F (USA only)! (Canada only)?Seat belt422AESP®426BDistance warning430CBrakes424$
(USA only)J (Canada only)FunctionPageDESP®
OFF426ETire pressure monitor431FDiesel engine: preglow309GCheck engine429HABS425ISRS428JHigh-beam headlamps283KReserve fuel43038Instrument clusterAt a glance

XPress the mirror-folding button
( Y page 116) repeatedly until you hear the
mirror engage in position.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
( Y page 116).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
GWARNING
If incident light from headlamps is prevented
from striking the sensor in the rear-view
mirror, for instance, by luggage piled too high
in the vehicle, the mirror's automatic anti-
glare function will not operate.
Incident light could then blind you. This may
distract you from the traffic conditions and,
as a result, you may cause an accident.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the ignition is switched on and
incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting
is switched on.
Parking position for the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
engage reverse gear. You can store this
position.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress button = for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the preset parking position.XUse adjustment button ; to adjust the
exterior mirror. You should see the rear
wheel and the curb in the exterior mirror.
The parking position is stored.
i If you shift the transmission to another
position, the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side returns to the driving
position.
i You can also store the parking position
using memory button M : .
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.XWith the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side activated, use
adjustment button ; to adjust the
exterior mirror. You should see the
rear wheel and the curb in the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side.XPress memory button M : and one of
the arrows on adjustment button ;
within three seconds.
The parking position is stored if the
exterior mirror does not move.
If the mirror moves out of position, repeat
the steps.
Mirrors117Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

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).
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
Information about driving abroad
To convert to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road from the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries.
To convert to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border and
returning to the original country.
Light switch
Operation
Depending on the date of manufacture of your
vehicle, the c or à symbol for the
automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps is located on the light switch.
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3$Lights off/daytime running lamps4cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting6 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps7NFront fog lamps 118
RRear fog lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 283).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
11 Only vehicles with Bi-Xenon headlamps without the Intelligent Light System are equipped with front fog lamps.280Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press
the light switch in to the stop.
Low-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The T indicator lamp on the light switch
lights up.XTo switch off the low-beam
headlamps: turn the light switch to $.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The daytime running lamps function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
activated, the T indicator lamp on the
light switch lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary or if the electronic parking brake is
applied: if you move the selector lever from a
drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps are switched on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.XTo activate the daytime running
lamps: activate the daytime running lamps
function in the on-board computer
( Y page 387).XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
activated, the T indicator lamp on the
light switch lights up.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 12
or the parking lamps and
low-beam headlamps are switched on or off
automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the T indicator lamp on
the light switch lights up.GWARNING
If the light switch is set to c, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
12
Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting281Lights and windshield wipersZ

The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.GWARNING
When it is dark or foggy, turn the light switch
quickly from c to L . Otherwise, the
headlamps could switch off temporarily and
you could cause an accident.
Front fog lamps
GWARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Your vehicle may
otherwise not be visible and you could
endanger yourself and others.
GWARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position c to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from c to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . If the
light switch is set to c, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.XPull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the light switch in as far as it will go.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.Rear fog lampXTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T
(vehicles with front fog lamps), or turn the
light switch to L (vehicles without front
fog lamps). If the light switch is set to
c , you cannot switch on the rear fog
lamp.XTurn the light switch to L. If the light
switch is set to T, you cannot switch on
the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the second stop
(vehicles with front fog lamps) or pull it out
to the stop (vehicles without front fog
lamps).
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Headlamp cleaning system
If the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times ( Y page 289) while the
lights are on and the engine is running, the
headlamps are cleaned automatically. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
282Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers