parktronic MERCEDES-BENZ S550 2007 W221 Owner's Manual

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

27 At a glance
Cockpit
Item
Page
1
Combination switch

Turn signals


Windshield wipers


High beam


Cornering lamps
362
351
346
347
2
Lever for

Cruise control


DISTRONIC Plus*
380
385
3
Horn
4
Multifunction steering wheel
242
5
Instrument cluster
28
6
Steering wheel gearshift con-
trol
375
7
Gear selector lever for
automatic transmission
359
Item
Page
8
Control panel with

Front passenger front
air bag indicator lamp


Vehicle level control
switch


Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP
®) switch


Parktronic*/Park Assist*
deactivation switch


Swivel COMAND display


COMAND/instrument
cluster illumination
53
401,
403
73
408,
408
81
378
9
COMAND display
79
a
Overhead control panel
37
b
Automatic climate control
Center console, upper part
424
32
Item
Page
c
Glove box lock
448
d
Cover of compartment with

CD changer


PCMCIA card slot
107
108
e
Center console, lower part
33
f
Starter switch
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop but-
ton
315
316
g
Steering wheel adjustment
Heated steering wheel*
330
331
h
Headlamp washer button
346
j
Parking brake
364
k
Hood lock release
492
l
Door control panel
39
m
Night View Assist*
420
n
Exterior lamp switch
342

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

380 Controls in detailDriving systemsThe driving systems of your vehicle are de-
scribed on the following pages:

Cruise control and DISTRONIC Plus*,
with which the vehicle can maintain a
preset speed.


Distance warning function* (only avail-
able with DISTRONIC Plus*), which
warns of a stationary obstacle or slow-
er moving vehicle that you are closing
on to quickly.


Airmatic (S 550 only) and ABC* adjust
the vehicle suspension characteristics
automatically and control the vehicle
level.


Parktronic* and Park Assist*, which
serve as a parking assistant.


Dynamic Rear View Monitor* is an
electronic and visual parking aid.


Night View Assist* illuminates the road
with infrared light in addition to the nor-
mal headlamps.For information on the ABS, Adaptive
Brake, BAS, BAS Plus*, EBP, and ESP
® driv-
ing systems, see “Driving safety systems”
(
page 69).
Cruise control
Cruise control automatically maintains the
speed you set for your vehicle.
The use of cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extend-
ed periods of time. You can set or resume
cruise control at any speed over 20 mph
(30 km/h).
The cruise control function is operated by
means of the cruise control lever.
Warning!
G
Cruise control is a convenience system de-
signed to assist the driver during vehicle op-
eration. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a steady speed.

The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a steady speed.


The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in
tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.


Deactivate cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be oper-
ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ-
ously set speed and wishes to resume this
particular preset speed.

405 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Parktronic system*
Parktronic is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors that helps you while
parking.
It visually and audibly indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an ob-
stacle.
Parktronic is automatically activated when
you switch on the ignition, release the
electric parking brake or start the engine
and engage gear D, R or N.The Parktronic system deactivates at
speeds over approximately 11 mph
(18 km/h). At lower speeds the Parktronic
system turns on again.
Parktronic is also switched off when you
engage gear P or secure the vehicle in
place with the electric parking brake and
switch off the engine.
The Parktronic system monitors the sur-
roundings of your vehicle with six sensors
in the front bumper and four sensors in the
rear bumper.
1Sensors in the front bumper (Only visi-
ble without DISTRONIC Plus*)Warning!
G
Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always rests with the driver.
Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road
curbs). Such objects may not be detected by
the system and can damage the vehicle.
The operational function of the Parktronic
system can be affected by dirty sensors, es-
pecially at times of snow and ice, see
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors”
(page 538).
Warning!
G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. You
could otherwise injure them.i
Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig-
nals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash, or the
air brakes of trucks) can cause the system to
send erratic indications, and should be taken
into consideration.

406 Controls in detailDriving systemsRange of the sensorsFront sensors
Rear sensorsMinimum distance
If the system detects an obstacle in this
range, all the distance warning segments
illuminate and you hear a warning signal. If
the obstacle is closer than the minimum
distance, the actual distance may no long-
er be indicated by the system.i
To function properly, the sensors must be
free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the sen-
sors regularly, being careful not to scratch or
damage the sensors, see “Cleaning the Park-
tronic* system sensors” (
page 538).
Center
approx. 40 in (100 cm)
Corners
approx. 24 in (60 cm)
Center
approx. 48 in (120 cm)
Corners
approx. 32 in (80 cm)
!
During parking maneuvers, pay special at-
tention to objects located above or below the
height of the sensors (e.g. street curbs, painted
posts, or trailer hitches etc.). The Parktronic sys-
tem will not detect such objects at close range
and damage to your vehicle or the object may re-
sult.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sources (e.g.
truck air brakes, car wash, or jackhammers) may
impair the operation of the Parktronic system.
Center
approx. 8 in (20 cm)
Corners
approx. 6 in (15 cm)

407 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Warning indicators
Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel-
ative distance between the sensors and an
obstacle.
The warning indicator for the front area is
in the instrument cluster. The warning indi-
cator for the rear area is on the roof liner in
the rear.
1Left side of the vehicle
2Right side of the vehicle
3Indicator
Each warning indicator is divided into five
yellow and two red distance segments for
either side of the vehicle.
If yellow indicators 3 under the segments
are lit, Parktronic is ready to measure.The position of the gear selector lever de-
termines which warning indicators will be
activated.
As your vehicle approaches an object, one
or more distance segments will illuminate,
depending on the distance. When the sev-
enth distance segment illuminates, you
have reached the minimum distance.


Front area:
An intermittent acoustic warning will
sound as the first red distance segment
illuminates and a constant acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second
red distance segment. The signal is
canceled when the gear selector lever
is placed in position P.


Rear area:
An intermittent acoustic warning will
sound as the first red distance segment
illuminates and a constant acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second
red distance segment. The signal is
canceled when the gear selector lever
is placed in position D orP.
Gear selector
lever position
Warning indicator
D
Front area activated
R or N
Front and rear area
activated
P
Neither activated

408 Controls in detailDriving systemsSwitching Parktronic system on/off
The Parktronic system can be switched off
manually.
The Parktronic button with the indicator
lamp is on the control panel on the
right-hand side of the instrument cluster.
1Parktronic button
2Indicator lamp

Switching off the Parktronic sys-
tem: Press button 1.
Indicator lamp 2 comes on.

Switching on the Parktronic system:
Press button 1 again.
Indicator lamp 2 goes out.
Parktronic system malfunction
If only the red distance segments illumi-
nate and an acoustic warning sounds,
there is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system. The Parktronic system will auto-
matically switch off after 20 seconds and
the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch
comes on.

Have the Parktronic system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
If only the red distance segments illumi-
nate and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty or
there is an interference from other radio or
ultrasonic signals. The Parktronic system
will automatically switch off after 20 sec-
onds and the indicator lamp in the Park-
tronic switch comes on.

Switch off the ignition (
page 315).

Clean the Parktronic system sensors
(page 538).

Switch on the ignition.
or

Check the Parktronic system operation
at another location to rule out interfer-
ence from outside radio or ultrasonic
signals.
i
The Parktronic system is automatically
switched on when the ignition is switched on
(
page 315).

409 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Park Assist*
Park Assist is an electronic parking aid
with radar sensors that helps you while
parking.
It visually and audibly indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an ob-
stacle.Park Assist is automatically activated
when the engine is running and the trans-
mission is in position D, R or N.
The Park Assist system deactivates at
speeds over approximately 11 mph
(18 km/h). At lower speeds the Parktronic
system turns on again.
Park Assist is also switched off when the
transmission is in position P or switch off
the engine.
While the transmission is in position N,
Park Assist is switched off if you secure the
vehicle in place with the electric parking
brake.
The Park Assist system monitors the sur-
roundings of your vehicle with four sensors
in the front bumper and two sensors in the
rear bumper.Warning!
G
Park Assist is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always rests with the driver.Warning!
G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. You
could otherwise injure them.!
Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes (e.g.
trailer couplings, painted posts, elevated cross-
bars or road curbs). Such objects may not be de-
tected by the system and can damage the
vehicle.
!
The operational function of the Park Assist
system can be affected by dirty sensors, espe-
cially at times of snow and ice.
Make sure that the area on the bumpers around
the sensors is free of dirt, ice and/or slush,
otherwise Park Assist may not function properly,
see “Cleaning the Park Assist* system sensors”
(
page 538).
!
High-frequency sources such as toll sta-
tions, speed measuring systems, etc. can cause
the Park Assist system to malfunction. You can
switch off the Park Assist using the Park Assist
button (
page 412) or switch off the radar sen-
sors (
page 256) to prevent possible malfunc-
tion.
i
In certain countries and near radio-astrolog-
ical facilities, you must switch off the radar sen-
sors (page 256).

414 Controls in detailDriving systemsWarning!
G
The Dynamic Rear View Monitor is a supple-
ment system. It is not intended to, nor does
it replace, the need for extreme care. The re-
sponsibility during parking and other driving
maneuvers always rests with the driver.
The Dynamic Rear View Monitor may show
obstacles with a distorted perspective, in-
correctly or not at all.
Special attention must be paid to objects
outside of the camera’s field of view such as
those located very close to or below the rear
bumper, or above the recessed grip of the
luggage compartment lid. Such objects may
not be detected by the system and can dam-
age the vehicle.
The Dynamic Rear View Monitor does not
warn you about impending collisions with
objects. The driver is always responsible for
safety and must continue to pay attention to
the immediate surroundings while parking
or maneuvering the vehicle. This applies not
only to the area behind the vehicle, but also
to the area in front of and to the sides of the
vehicle. Failure to do so could result in injury
to persons and/or damage to the vehicle or
other property. We also recommend that the
driver use the Parktronic system* or Park
Assist* when parking or maneuvering the
vehicle.Warning!
G
Make sure that no persons or animals are
standing in the area where you are maneu-
vering. You could otherwise injure them.Warning!
G
The Dynamic Rear View Monitor may not
function if:

the trunk lid is not completely closed


it is raining or snowing heavily, or if
there is thick fog


in a very dark area


the camera is exposed to very strong
white light (white stripes may appear on
the COMAND display)


the surrounding area is lit with fluores-
cent light (the COMAND display can
flicker)


there is a sudden change in tempera-
ture, for example when you drive out of
the cold into a heated garage in winter
(lens condensation)


outside temperatures are very high (lens
condensation)


the camera lens is dirty or covered, see
“Cleaning of the Dynamic Rear View
Monitor lens*” (
page 538)


the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In
this case, have the position and setting
of the camera checked by a qualified
technician. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not use the Dynamic Rear View Monitor
if the roads are icy, slippery or covered with
snow. The vehicle could slip causing the ac-
tual vehicle position to deviate from the one
shown on the COMAND display.