engine coolant MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN 2013 User Guide

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
Coolant Low Stop
Vehicle Turn
Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The poly-V-belt may have torn.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do
not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam

from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged. Display messages
405
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions? The engine fan is defective.
X
At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 † ), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. # The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R
a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do

not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check Engine Oil
at Next Refueling Vehicles with an oil dipstick: the oil level has dropped to the
minimum level.
X
Check the engine oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page 457).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 459).
X If engine oil needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check Engine Oil
Level

(Add 1 quart)
(USA only)Check
Engine Oil Level
(Add 1 Liter)
(Canada only) Vehicles without an oil dipstick: the engine oil level is too low.
X
Check the oil level (Y page 457).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 457).
X If engine oil needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at

http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).406
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

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). Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood G
WARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This

could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others. G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers. G
WARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running. Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual

and observe the relevant safety notes. G
WARNING
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades. G
WARNING
Vehicles with gasoline engine:
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually G
WARNING
Vehicles with diesel engine:
The engine is equipped with a high-voltage
electronic control unit for the injection
system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components of the
injection system (injectors, electrical wires)
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on
X Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. G
WARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion. 456
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

X
Turn cap : counterclockwise and remove
it.
X Add 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 on
the oil dipstick,
add 0.55 to 1.1 US qt (0.5 to 1.0 l) engine
oil.
X Replace cap : on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil
dipstick (Y page 458) or the on-board
computer (Y page 458).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 527). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is

on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 303) in the ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice

(Y page 303).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡

(70 †). G
WARNING
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. X
Slowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap :
further counter-clockwise 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 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 ;.460
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

X
If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 529).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield

washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
i Vehicle components and their service
products must match. You should,
therefore, only use products that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved
products can be obtained at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).G
WARNING
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.
! At temperatures below freezing: always
fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windshield washer concentrate
(e.g. MB WinterFit). There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round. Example: washer fluid reservoir
X
Mix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.
X At temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).
X At temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB

WinterFit). Adapt the mixing ratio to the
outside temperature. For information on
the mixing ratio (Y page 529).
X To open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close:
press cap : onto the filler neck
until it engages.
Brake fluid level !
If you notice that the brake fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
MIN mark or less, check the brake system
immediately for leaks. Also check the
thickness of the brake linings. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not
correct the error.
Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is stationary and on a level surface. Engine compartment
461
Maintenance and care Z

i
The 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 521)
R at the lower edge of the windshield
(Y page 522)
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. X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X Open 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 capacities
Important safety notes
Service products include the following:
R fuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel)
R additives for exhaust gas aftertreatment
(DEF)
R lubricants

(e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. You should therefore
only use products that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at a Mercedes-Benz Center
or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). G
WARNING
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment. 522
Service products and capacities
Technical data

Capacities
Model Capacity Fuel, coolant,
lubricants, etc.
Engine oil and
filter
S 550
34
S 550 4MATIC 34
S 63 AMG 9.0 US qt (8.5 l) Approved engine
oils
S 600
S 65 AMG 9.5 US qt (9.0 l)
S 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC 8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
Cooling system
S 550
34
S 550 4MATIC 34 Approximately 14.5 US qt
(13.7 l) MB 325.0 or
MB 326.0
anticorrosion/
antifreeze
S 600 Approximately 15.3 US qt
(14.5 l)
S 63 AMG Approximately 12.2 US qt
(11.5 l)
S 65 AMG Approximately 14.7 US qt
(13.9 l)
S 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC Approximately 12.0 US qt
(11.4 l)
Tank capacity
S 550
34
S 550 4MATIC 34
S 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC 21.9 US gal (83.0 l) Gasoline engines:
premium-grade
unleaded gasoline
(at least 91 octane,
average value
between 96 RON/
86 MON)
Diesel engines:
ULTRA-LOW
SULFUR HIGHWAY
DIESEL
FUEL (ULSD,
maximum sulfur
content 15 ppm) S 600
S 63 AMG
S 65 AMG 23.8 US gal (90.0 l)
Reserve
All models except
AMG vehicles 2.9 US gal (11.0 l)
AMG vehicles 3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
34
BlueEFFICIENCY.524
Service products and capacities
Technical data

Model Capacity Fuel, coolant,
lubricants, etc.
DEF tank
S 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC 6.6 US gal (25.0 l) DEF in accordance
with ISO 22241
Windshield/
headlamp
cleaning
system
All models 6.9 US qt (6.5 l) MB windshield
washer
concentrate
35
(Y page 529)
Mixing ratio for
washer fluid
(Y page 529) Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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.
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline !
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-grade
unleaded gasoline may be used; please
observe the following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular-grade unleaded gasoline and fill the rest 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
3,000 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.
Fuel requirements Gasoline engines
Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline.
The octane number should be at least 91.
Details can be found on the gas pump. The
octane number is the average value of the
Research Octane Number (RON) and the
Motor Octane Number (MON): (RON +
MON) / 2, also known as knock resistance.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded

gasoline with additives can be used
if the concentration of the additives in the fuel
does not exceed 10%, e.g.:
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
35 Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Service products and capacities
525
Technical data Z

fluids can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com
.Coolant
Important safety notes The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R
corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with coolant that contains an
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor that ensures
protection down to approximately -35 ‡
(-37 †).
! Only

add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection.
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
Further information on coolants and on
filling can be found in the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products, MB
Approval 310.1, e.g. on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. You can
also consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to -35 ‡ (-37 †), the boiling point of the
coolant under operating conditions is
approximately 266 ‡ (130 †).
Your vehicle has a range of aluminum
components. Aluminum components in the
engine make it necessary to use antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor coolant that has been
specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. Using other antifreeze/ corrosion inhibitors without these
characteristics affects the service life.
The

coolant must be used throughout the year
in order to maintain the necessary corrosion
protection and to provide protection from
overheating. In the Service Booklet, you can
find information on the intervals for renewal.
The renewal interval is determined by the
coolant type and the engine cooling system
design. The renewal interval in the Service
Booklet is only valid if the coolant is renewed
or filled up with Mercedes-Benz approved
products. Therefore, only use MB 325.0 or
326.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze or another
Mercedes-Benz approved product of the
same specification.
Information on other products with the same
specifications that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be obtained at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or on the
Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
The coolant is checked at every maintenance
interval at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 † ).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection to
-49 ‡ [-45 † ]); otherwise, heat will not
dissipate as effectively.
If the coolant level is too low, MB 325.0 or
326.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze should be
added. Have the engine cooling system
checked for possible leaks. Windshield/headlamp cleaning
system
G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze

on hot engine parts, because it may Service products and capacities
529
Technical data
Z