steering wheel MERCEDES-BENZ S550 2007 W221 Owner's Guide

329 Controls in detailSeats
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel and driver’s seat will re-
turn to their last set memory position or a
factory-set maximum forward position
when you:

close the driver’s door with the ignition
switched on


insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch or press the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (
page 317) once
with the driver’s door closed. With the easy-entry/exit feature activated
the steering wheel tilts upwards and the
driver’s seat moves a few inches to the
rear when you:


remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch,
or


open the driver’s door with the
SmartKey in starter switch position 0
or 1 or the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button (
page 317) in position 1.
!
Do not activate the easy-entry/exit feature
if the seat backrest is in an excessively reclined
position. Doing so could cause damage to front
or rear seats.
First move the seat backrest to an upright posi-
tion.
i
For safety reasons, the driver’s seat will not
return to its last set position with the easy-en-
try/exit feature activated if the system recogniz-
es the last set position as an extreme forward
position. Instead, the driver’s seat will remain at
or move to a factory-set maximum forward posi-
tion. To again fully return the driver’s seat toyour last set position or to memory position, ad-
just the seat to the desired position or press and
hold the respective memory position button
(
page 337).
i
The last set driver’s seat and steering wheel
positions are stored when


the ignition is switched off


the position is stored in memory
(page 336)
i
If the current position for the steering wheel
is in the uppermost tilt position, the steering
wheel will no longer be able to move upward
when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.
If the current seat position falls into a factory-set
position range and the system recognizes the
current seat position to be rearward enough for
easy entry and exit, the driver’s seat will not
move to the rear when the easy-entry/ exit fea-
ture is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly interrupted
when the engine is started.Warning!
G
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in mo-
tion. All driver’s seat and steering wheel ad-
justments must be completed before setting
the vehicle in motion. Driving off with the
driver’s seat/steering wheel still adjusting
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.

330 Controls in detailSteering wheel
Steering wheel adjustment
1Adjusting steering column, in or out
2Adjusting steering column, up or down
Switch on the ignition (
page 315) or
open the driver’s door.

Adjusting steering column in or out:
Move stalk forward or back in the direc-
tion of arrow1 until a comfortable
steering wheel position is reached with
your arms slightly bent at the elbow.

Adjusting steering column up or
down: Move the stalk up or down in the
direction of arrow2.
Make sure your legs can move freely
and all the displays (incl. malfunction
and indicator lamps) on the instrument
cluster are clearly visible.
Warning!
G
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driv-
ing. Adjusting the steering wheel while driv-
ing could cause the driver to lose control of
the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* removed from the starter
switch or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
removed from the vehicle, the steering
wheel adjustment feature can be operated
when the driver’s door is open. Therefore,
do not leave children unattended in the ve-
hicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
i
The memory function (
page 336) lets you
store settings for the steering wheel together
with the settings for the exterior rear view mir-
rors and the seat positions.

331 Controls in detail
Steering wheel
Heated steering wheel*
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
1Switching on
2Switching off
3Indicator lamp
Switch on the ignition (
page 315).

Switching on: Turn switc h a t the t ip of
stalk in the direction of arrow1.
The steering wheel is heated. Indicator
lamp3 comes on.

Switching off: T u r n s w i t c h a t t h e t i p o f
stalk in the direction of arrow2.
The steering wheel heating is turned
off. Indicator lamp3 goes out.
i
The steering wheel heating will not switch
on, when the temperature of the vehicle interior
is above 86°F (30°C).
i
Indicator lamp3 flashes or goes out


in case of power surge or undervoltage


in case of a steering wheel heating malfunc-
tion
i
The steering wheel heating switches off au-
tomatically:


when you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch


on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*, when you
switch off the ignition (
page 315) and
open the driver’s door


when the temperature of the vehicle interior
is above 86°F (30°C)


after approximately 30 minutes

333 Controls in detail
Mirrors
Power folding exterior rear view mir-rors
Folding exterior rear view mirrors in
and out automatically
When the corresponding function in the
COMAND system is activated
(page 222):


The exterior rear view mirrors automat-
ically fold in as soon as the vehicle is
locked from the outside.


The exterior rear view mirrors automat-
ically fold out as soon as the vehicle is
unlocked and the driver’s or front pas-
senger door are subsequently opened.Folding exterior rear view mirrors in
and out manually
The exterior rear view mirrors can vibrate if
they are not folded out completely.
1Folds the exterior mirrors in and out

Switch on the ignition (
page 315).

Folding in: Press button1.

Folding out: Press button1 again.
i
When you press button1 for the first time,
the exterior mirror on the driver’s side is always
selected.
If you do not make adjustments to the selected
exterior rear view mirror within 15 seconds, the
indicator lamp goes out. You will then have to se-
lect the desired exterior rear view mirror again
before any adjustments can be made. Adjust-
ments can only be made with the indicator lamp
for the respective exterior rear view mirror but-
ton illuminated.
i
At low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated automatically.
i
The memory function (
page 336) lets you
store the setting for the exterior rear view mir-
rors together with the setting for the steering
wheel and the seat positions.
!
Before driving the vehicle through an auto-
matic car wash, fold the exterior mirrors in. Oth-
erwise they may get damaged.
i
The mirrors do not fold out if they were pre-
viously folded in manually.
i
If you are driving at more than approximately
9 mph (15 km/h), you will not be able to fold the
exterior mirrors in.


336 Controls in detailMemory functionPrior to operating the vehicle, the driver
should check and adjust the seat height,
seat position fore and aft, and seat back-
rest angle if necessary, to ensure adequate
control, reach, and comfort. The head re-
straint should also be adjusted for proper
height. See also the section on air bags
(page 45) for proper seat positioning.
In addition, adjust the steering wheel to
ensure adequate control, reach, operation
and comfort. Both the inside and outside
rear view mirrors should be adjusted for
adequate rear vision.
Fasten seat belts. Infants and small chil-
dren should be seated in a properly se-
cured restraint system that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards 213 and 225 and Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2.With the memory function you can store up
to 3 different settings.
The following settings are saved for each
stored position the driver’s door:


Seat position and lumbar support


Multicontour seat*: previously select-
ed setting


Drive-dynamic multicontour seat*: ac-
tivation/deactivation


Steering wheel position


Exterior rear view mirrors position
The following settings are stored when us-
ing the buttons on the front passenger
door:


Seat position and lumbar support


Multicontour seat*: previously select-
ed setting


Drive-dynamic multicontour seat*: ac-
tivation/deactivationThe following settings are stored when us-
ing the buttons* on the rear passenger
doors (Canada only):


Seat position


Multicontour seat*: previously select-
ed settingWarning!
G
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function
while driving could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.

337 Controls in detail
Memory function
The memory button and stored position
buttons are located on the door control
panel.
MMemory button
1 2 3Memory position buttons
Switch on the ignition (
page 315).
or

Open the respective door.
Storing positions into memory
Adjust the seat (
page 318) to the de-
sired position.

On the driver’s side: adjust the steering
wheel (
page 330) and the exterior
rear view mirrors (
page 332) to the
desired position.

Press memory buttonM.

Release memory buttonM and push
one of the position buttons within
3 seconds.
All the settings are stored with the se-
lected position.
Recalling positions from memory
Press and hold one of the position
buttons until the seat, steering wheel
and exterior rear view mirrors have fully
moved to the stored positions.
!
Do not operate the power seats using the
memory button if the seat backrest is in an ex-
cessively reclined position. Doing so could cause
damage to front or rear seats.
First move seat backrest to an upright position.
i
Releasing the button immediately stops
movement to the stored positions.
The multicontour seat* and/or lumbar support
will continue to be adjusted.

342 Controls in detailLighting
Exterior lamp switch
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
M
Off
Daytime running lamp mode
(page 344)
*
Automatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
(page 344)
C
Parking lamps (also side marker
lamps, tail lamps, license plate
lamps, instrument panel lamps)
B
Low beam headlamps (or high
beam headlamps when the combi-
nation switch is pushed forward)
and parking lamps
ˆ
Standing lamps, right (turn left one
stop)
‚
Standing lamps, left (turn left two
stops)
C
Indicator lamp for parking lamps
‡
Indicator lamp for front fog lamps
†
Indicator lamp for rear fog lamp
i
If you drive in countries where vehicles drive
on the other side of the road than the country in
which the vehicle is registered, you must have
the headlamps modified for symmetrical low
beams. Relevant information can be obtained at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i
The active Bi-Xenon headlamps monitor the
vehicles steering angle, then automatically shift
their beams to either side to better follow the
curvature of the road ahead, increasing usable
illumination over conventional headlamps.

343 Controls in detail
Lighting
Low beam headlamps
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
Turn the switch toB.
The green indicator lampC in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.Manual headlamp mode
The low beam headlamps and parking
lamps can be switched on and off with the
exterior lamp switch. For exterior lamp
switch (
page 342).
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps switch on and off au-
tomatically depending on the brightness of
the ambient light:


Low beam headlamps


Tail and parking lamps


License plate lamps


Side marker lamps
i
With the SmartKey removed from the starter
switch or the engine turned off with
KEYLESS-GO* and the driver’s door open, a
warning sounds if the parking lamps or low beam
headlamps are switched on.
The message: “Please switch off lights” appears
in the multifunction display.
i
With the daytime running lamp mode activat-
ed and the engine running, the low beam head-
lamps cannot be switched off manually.
For information on how to activate the daytime
running lamp mode, see “Daytime running lamp
mode” (
page 344).
Warning!
G
If the exterior lamp switch is set to*,

the headlamps may switch off unexpect-
edly when the system senses bright am-
bient light, for example light from
oncoming traffic.
If the exterior lamp switch is set to*,

the headlamps may switch off unexpect-
edly when the system senses bright am-
bient light, for example light from
oncoming traffic.


the headlamps will not be automatically
switched on under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, acti-
vate headlamps by turning exterior lamp
switch to B when driving or when traffic
and/or ambient lighting conditions require
you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only
switch from position * to B with the
vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from * to B will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions
may result in an accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid to the driver. The driver is responsible for
the operation of the vehicle’s lights at all
times.

347 Controls in detail
Lighting
High beam flasher
Pull the combination switch briefly in
the direction2.
Corner-illuminating lamps
The corner-illuminating lamps improve illu-
mination of the area in the direction into
which you are turning.
Corner-illuminating lamps will operate
with:

the engine running


during darkness


the headlamps switched on
Switching on corner-illuminating lamps

Depending on whether you are turning
left or right, switch on the left or right
turn signal (
page 342).The respective corner-illuminating
lamp comes on and illuminates the
area in the direction into which you are
turning.Switching off the corner-illuminating
lamps
The combination switch for the turn signal
resets automatically after major steering
wheel movements. This will switch off the
corner-illuminating lamps if they were acti-
vated by switching on the left or right turn
signal.
If the turn signal should stay on after mak-
ing the turn, the turn signal and corner-illu-
minating lamp can be switched off by
returning the combination switch to its
original position.
i
The corner-illuminating lamps function is not
available at a vehicle speed above 25 mph
(40 km/h).
i
The corner-illuminating lamps will come on
automatically up to a speed of approximately
25 mph (40 km/h) depending on the steering
angle, even if you did not switch on either turn
signal. If the corner-illuminating lamps came on
automatically, they will also go out automatically
depending on the steering angle.
i
If you have switched on the turn signal for
one side but turn the steering wheel in the other
direction, the corner-illuminating lamp lights up
on the side of the turn signal.
i
The corner-illuminating lamps temporarily
light up on both sides of the vehicle if you turn
the steering wheel in one direction and then in
the other direction shortly thereafter.
i
When you shift the automatic transmission
in reverse gearR, the inverse corner-illuminating
lamp comes on automatically depending on the
steering direction and steering angle.
The turn signal has no influence on the corner-il-
luminating lamp on the outside of the curve.
i
If you are driving faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h) when activating the turn signal indica-
tor, the corner-illuminating lamp function is
switched off.
i
The corner-illuminating lamp may remain lit
for a short time. The corner-illuminating lamp
lights up for no more than 20 seconds with the
vehicle standing still. It is then switched off even
if the turn signal is still switched on or you have
turned the steering wheel to full lock.

362 Controls in detailDriving and parking
For more information, see “Driving instruc-
tions” (
page 479).
Turn signalsCombination switch1Turn signals, right
2Turn signals, left

Press the combination switch up1 or
down2.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lampL orK flashes in the in-
strument cluster (
page 28).
The combination switch resets automati-
cally after major steering wheel move-
ments.
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires

An ignition cable may be damaged.


The engine electronics may not be op-
erating properly.


Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.

Give very little gas.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le-
ver out of P or N if the engine speed is high-
er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel-
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.!
Shift the automatic transmission toP or R
only when the vehicle is stopped in order to avoid
damaging the transmission.
!
Do not run cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine
speeds may shorten the service life of the en-
gine.
!
Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brake reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.
i
To signal minor directional changes, e.g.
passing or changing lanes, move combination
switch to point of resistance only and release.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.