engine MERCEDES-BENZ S550 2007 W221 Owner's Manual

Our company and staff congratulate you
on the purchase of your new
Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demon-
stration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your de-
sire to own an automobile that will be as
easy as possible to operate and provide
years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef-
forts of many skilled engineers and crafts-
men. To help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passen-
gers, we ask you to make a small invest-
ment of time:


Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.


Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are de-
signed to acquaint you with the opera-
tion of your Mercedes-Benz.


Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and oc-
cupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles
of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

ContentsStarter switch positions ..................... 315
SmartKey ..................................... 315
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*....... 316
Seats.................................................. 318
Seat adjustment ........................... 318
Seat heating* ............................... 322
Seat ventilation* .......................... 323
Head restraints............................. 324
Multicontour seats*, rear ............. 327
Easy-entry/exit feature ................ 328
Steering wheel ................................... 330
Steering wheel adjustment........... 330
Heated steering wheel* ............... 331
Mirrors ............................................... 332
Interior rear view mirror ............... 332
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 332
Power folding exterior rear view
mirrors ......................................... 333
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ... 334
Activating exterior rear view
mirror parking position ................. 335
Memory function................................ 336
Storing positions into memory ..... 337
Recalling positions from memory . 337
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position ........................... 338Fastening the seat belts .................... 339
Proper use of seat belts ............... 341
Seat belt height adjustment ......... 341
Lighting.............................................. 342
Exterior lamp switch..................... 342
Combination switch ..................... 346
Corner-illuminating lamps ............ 347
Hazard warning flasher ................ 348
Interior lighting............................. 348
Courtesy lighting .......................... 350
Door entry lamps ......................... 350
Trunk lamp ................................... 350
Windshield wipers.............................. 351
Switching on/off windshield
wipers .......................................... 351
Intermittent wiping....................... 352
Single wipe................................... 352
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid .............................................. 352
Power windows.................................. 353
Opening and closing power
windows ....................................... 353
Rear side window sunshades* ..... 355
Summer opening feature.............. 355
Convenience closing feature ........ 356Driving and parking ........................... 359
Starting the engine ...................... 359
Driving off .................................... 361
Turn signals.................................. 362
Problems while driving ................. 362
Parking......................................... 363
Turning off the engine .................. 365
Releasing seat belts ..................... 366
Automatic transmission..................... 367
Gear selector lever....................... 367
Shifting procedure ....................... 369
Automatic transmission positions 370
Gear ranges ................................. 372
Driving tips................................... 373
Automatic shift program .............. 374
Steering wheel gearshift control .. 375
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 377
Instrument cluster ............................. 378
Adjusting instrument cluster and
COMAND display illumination ...... 378
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 378
Tachometer.................................. 379
Outside temperature indicator ..... 379
Fuel gauge ................................... 379

Contents
Driving systems ................................. 380
Cruise control .............................. 380
DISTRONIC Plus* ......................... 385
Airmatic (S 550 only) ................... 401
Active Body Control (ABC)*.......... 403
Parktronic system* ...................... 405
Park Assist* ................................. 409
Dynamic Rear View Monitor* ....... 413
Night View Assist* ....................... 420
Automatic climate control ................. 424
Deactivating climate control
system ......................................... 428
Operating climate control system
in automatic mode ....................... 428
Setting temperature ..................... 429
Adjusting air volume .................... 429
Front defroster ............................. 429
Rear window defroster ................. 430
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL
(USA only) .................................... 430
Air recirculation mode .................. 431
Residual engine heat and
ventilation .................................... 433Front passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 433
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 434
Rear passenger compartment
climate control* ............................ 434
Trunk .................................................. 436
Opening trunk ............................... 436
Closing trunk ................................ 437
Trunk emergency release.............. 440
Power tilt/sliding sunroof................... 441
Opening and closing power
tilt/sliding sunroof ........................ 441
Synchronizing ............................... 442
Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel* ............................... 443
Roller sunblinds ............................ 443
Opening and closing panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel.. 444
Synchronizing ............................... 446Loading and storing............................ 447
Roof rack* .................................... 447
Loading instructions ..................... 447
Storage compartments ................. 448
Cup holders .................................. 452
Trunk ............................................ 453
Useful features ................................... 455
Sun visors ..................................... 455
Vanity mirror in rear...................... 455
Rear window sunshade ................. 456
Ashtrays........................................ 456
Cigarette lighters .......................... 457
Power outlet ................................. 458
Telephone* ................................... 459
Tele Aid......................................... 462
Garage door opener ...................... 470
Infrared reflecting windshield ....... 475

ContentsOperation......................................... 477
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 478
Driving instructions ............................ 479
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 479
Drinking and driving ..................... 479
Pedals .......................................... 479
Power assistance ......................... 479
Brakes .......................................... 480
Driving off..................................... 481
Parking ......................................... 481
Tires ............................................. 482
Hydroplaning ................................ 483
Tire traction .................................. 483
Tire speed rating .......................... 484
Winter driving instructions ........... 484
Standing water ............................. 485
Passenger compartment .............. 486
Driving abroad .............................. 486
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 486
Catalytic converter ....................... 487
Emission control........................... 488
Coolant temperature .................... 488At the gas station .............................. 489
Refueling ...................................... 489
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 490
Engine compartment ......................... 492
Hood ............................................ 492
Engine oil ..................................... 494
Transmission fluid level ................ 497
Active Body Control* (ABC*)
fluid level...................................... 497
Coolant level ................................ 497
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 498
Tires and wheels ................................ 500
Important guidelines .................... 500
Tire care and maintenance ........... 501
Direction of rotation ..................... 503
Loading the vehicle ...................... 503
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 509
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 511
Tire labeling.................................. 518
Load identification ....................... 521DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 522
Maximum tire load ....................... 523
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 523
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 524
Tire ply material ........................... 525
Tire and loading terminology........ 526
Rotating tires ............................... 529
Winter driving .................................... 530
Winter tires .................................. 530
Snow chains................................. 531
Maintenance...................................... 532
Maintenance service indicator
message ...................................... 532
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display .............. 533
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 533
Vehicle care....................................... 534
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 534

Contents
Practical hints................................. 543
What to do if …?................................. 544
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 544
Air bag off indicator lamp ............. 555
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 557
Where will I find ...? ........................... 611
First aid kit ................................... 611
Vehicle jack, vehicle tool kit,
luggage bowl, Minispare wheel .... 611
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 614
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 614
Locking the vehicle ...................... 615
Mechanically releasing the
electric parking brake .................. 616
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 617
Power tilt/sliding sunroof or
panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel* ........................ 617Resetting activated head restraints
(S 600 only) ........................................ 618
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 619
SmartKey/SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* ............................... 619
Replacing bulbs .................................. 621
Bulbs ............................................. 622
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 623
Replacing wiper blades....................... 627
Placing wiper arms in vertical
position ......................................... 627
Removing wiper blades ................. 628
Installing wiper blades .................. 628
Flat tire ............................................... 629
Preparing the vehicle .................... 629
Mounting the Minispare wheel ...... 629Batteries............................................. 634
Disconnecting starter battery ....... 636
Removing starter battery .............. 637
Charging battery ........................... 637
Reinstalling starter battery ........... 638
Reconnecting starter battery ........ 638
Jump starting...................................... 639
Towing the vehicle.............................. 642
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 644
Fuses.................................................. 645
Aids for replacing fuses ................ 646
Fuse boxes in engine
compartment ................................ 646
Fuse boxes in passenger
compartment ................................ 647
Emergency engine shut-down ....... 648

ContentsTechnical data.................................. 649
Parts service ...................................... 650
Warranty coverage ............................. 651
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet...................... 651
Identification labels............................ 652
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 653
S 550 ........................................... 653
S 600 ........................................... 653
Engine ................................................ 654
Rims and tires .................................... 655
Same size tires ............................. 656
Mixed size tires ............................ 657
Minispare wheel ........................... 658
Electrical system................................ 659
Main dimensions and weights............ 660
Main dimensions .......................... 660
Weights ........................................ 660Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 661
Capacities .................................... 661
Engine oils.................................... 663
Engine oil additives ...................... 663
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 663
Brake fluid .................................... 663
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 664
Fuel requirements ........................ 664
Gasoline additives ........................ 665
Coolants....................................... 665
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ............................. 668
Technical terms............................... 669Index................................................. 679

16 IntroductionOperator’s ManualRoadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to
the toll-free Roadside Assistance number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram brochure in your vehicle literature
portfolio.Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to
send in the “Change of Address Notice”
found in the Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It
is in your own interest that we can contact
you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it avail-
able to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used
Car” found in the Service and Warranty In-
formation Booklet, or call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-
ter (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes,
or Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the USA
or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that:

service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,


unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,


gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail-
able for delivery in Europe under our Euro-
pean Delivery Program. For details, consult
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

19 Introduction
Operating safety
Operating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual


the “Technical data” section in this
manual


traffic rules and regulations


motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!
G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are in-
terconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other sys-
tems. Electronic malfunctions could seri-
ously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!
G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden significant vibration or ride distur-
bance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an area
which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires/wheels for possible damage. If the ve-
hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair fa-
cility for further inspection or repairs.
Warning!
G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself. Re-
moval of any of these labels may cause you
and others to be unaware of certain risks
which may result in an accident and/or per-
sonal injury.

25 At a glance
Exterior view
Item
Page
1
Trunk

Unlocking


Opening and closing


Minispare wheel


Vehicle tool kit
436
436
629
611
2
Rear lamps
622
3
Rear window, defrosting
430
4
Fuel filler flap
Gasoline
489
664
5
Doors

Locking and unlocking


Opening and closing
304
312
Item
Page
6
Exterior rear view mirror
Parking position
334
335
7
Towing eye bolt
General information
644
642
8
Rims and tires

Checking tire inflation
pressure


Minispare wheel


Flat tire
655
511
613
629
9
Hood, opening
Engine oil
Coolant
492
494
497
Item
Page
a
Headlamp cleaning system
346
b
Front lamps
622
c
Windshield wipers
Wiper blades, replacing
Wiper blades, cleaning
351
627
540
d
Window, cleaning
540
e
Roofs

Power tilt/sliding sunroof


Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel*
441
443

29 At a glance
Instrument cluster
Item
Page
1
Coolant temperature gauge
378
2
Fuel gauge with:
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp
AHigh beam headlamp
indicator lamp
-ABS indicator lamp
=SRS indicator lamp
550
346
544
552
3
Parktronic*/Park Assist*
warning indicator for left
front area
407,
411
4
Speedometer with:0
USA only
!
Canada only
Parking brake
warning or indi-
cator lamps
546
Item
Page
;
USA only
3
Canada only
Brake warning
lamp
545
550
HCombination low tire
pressure*/TPMS mal-
function telltale*
553
L
Left/right turn
signal indicator
lamps
362
KvESP
® warning lamp
549
lDistance warning
lamp*
397,
549
5
Parktronic*/Park Assist*
warning indicator for right
front area
407,
411
Item
Page
6
Gear position/range indica-
tor
370
7
Tachometer with:±Engine malfunction
indicator lamp
547
8
Selected program mode indi-
cator
370
9
Main menu for control sys-
tem, multifunction display
241
a
Outside temperature
379
b
Display with:Additional speedometer
255
:Distance warner*
397,
252