MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC 2008 W221 Owner's Manual

510 Controls in detail
Useful features
Press release button in direction of
arrow1 and take mobile phone
cradle3 out in direction of arrow2.
Installing a different mobile phone
cradle
Example illustration
1Contact plate
2Recesses
3Mobile phone cradle
Insert mobile phone cradle3 into
recesses2 of contact plate1.
Push mobile phone cradle3 forward
until it engages.
Tele Aid
The Tele Aid system
(Tele
matic Alarm Identification on De-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response:

automatic and manual emergency

Roadside Assistance, and

informationThe Tele Aid system is operational provid-
ing that the vehicle’s battery is charged,
properly connected, not damaged and mo-
bile phone and GPS coverage are available.
The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can
be adjusted when using the volume control
on the multifunction steering wheel. To
raise, press buttonæ and to lower,
press buttonç or use the COMAND
volume thumbwheel , on the lower
part of the front center console
(
page 96).
To activate, press the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button• or
the Information button¡, depend-
ing on the type of response required.
!The initial activation of the Tele Aid system
may only be performed by completing the sub-
scriber agreement and placing an acquaintance
call using the Information button¡. Failure
to complete either of these steps will result in a
system that is not activated.
If you have any questions regarding activation,
please call the Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
iThe Tele Aid system utilizes the mobile
phone network for communication and the GPS
(Global Positioning System) satellites for vehicle
location. If either of these signals are unavail-
able, the Tele Aid system may not function and if
this occurs, assistance must be summoned by
other means.


511 Controls in detail
Useful features
Shortly after the completion of your
Tele Aid acquaintance call, you will receive
a user ID and password. By visiting
www.mbusa.com and selecting “Tele Aid”
(USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock and
more.
System self-check
Initially, after switching on the ignition,
malfunctions are detected and indicated.
If a malfunction is detected, the indicator
lamps in the SOS button, the Roadside As-
sistance button• and the Information
button¡ stay on longer than
10 seconds or do not come on. The mes-
sage “Tele Aid not activated” or “Tele Aid
inoperative” appears in the multifunction
display.Emergency calls
An emergency call is initiated
automatically following an accident in
which the emergency tensioning devices
(ETDs) or air bags deploy.An emergency call can also be initiated
manually by opening the cover next to the
interior rear view mirror labeled SOS, then
briefly pressing the button located under
the cover. For instructions on initiating an
emergency call manually (page 513).
Once the emergency call is in progress, the
indicator lamp in the SOS button will begin
to flash. The message:

“Connecting call” appears in the multi-
function display

“Emergency Call Activated” appears in
the COMAND display
and the audio system is muted. When the
connection is established, the message:

“Call connected” appears in the multi-
function display

“Emergency Call Activated” appears in
the COMAND display
iThe SOS button is located above the interior
rear view mirror (
page 513).
The Roadside Assistance button• and the
Information button¡ are located below the
center armrest cover (
page 513).
Warning!G
If the indicator lamps in the SOS button, in
the Roadside Assistance button•
and/or in the Information button¡ do
not come on during the system self-check,
or if any of these indicators remain illuminat-
ed continuously in red and/or the message
“Tele Aid not activated” or “Tele Aid inopera-
tive” is displayed in the multifunction display
after the system self-check, a malfunction in
the system has been detected.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined
above, the system may not operate as ex-
pected. Have the system checked at the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.

512 Controls in detail
Useful features
All information relevant to the emergency,
such as the location of the vehicle (deter-
mined by the GPS satellite location sys-
tem), vehicle model, identification number
and color are generated.
A voice connection between the Response
Center and the occupants of the vehicle
will be established automatically soon af-
ter the emergency call has been initiated.
The Response Center will attempt to deter-
mine more precisely the nature of the acci-
dent provided they can speak to an
occupant of the vehicle.The Tele Aid system is available if

it has been activated and is operation-
al. Activation requires a subscription
for monitoring services, connection,
and cellular air time

the relevant monitoring service and
GPS coverage are available and pass
the information on to the Response
Center

there is sufficient voltage in the vehicle
batteries
iDuring the emergency call message “Emer-
gency Call Activated” is displayed, operation
from COMAND is not possible. The automatic cli-
mate control can be still adjusted using the
switches on the climate control panel.
iIf no vehicle occupant responds, an ambu-
lance will be sent to the vehicle immediately.
iLocation of the vehicle on a map is only pos-
sible if the vehicle is able to receive signals from
the GPS satellite network and pass the informa-
tion on to the Response Center.
Warning!G
If the indicator lamp in the SOS button is
flashing continuously and there was no
voice connection to the Response Center
established, then the Tele Aid system could
not initiate an emergency call (e.g. the rele-
vant mobile phone network is not available).
The message:

“Call failed” appears in the multifunction
display for approximately 10 seconds.

A pop-up window with the message:
“Call could not be connected! Please dial
911 directly using the mobile telephone
keypad.” appears in the COMAND dis-
play. Confirm the message pressing
n
(
page 88).
Should this occur, assistance must be sum-
moned by other means.
iDuring the emergency call the mobile phone
is switched off automatically and must be
switched back on to make a call.
iThe roof cargo container* may impair mo-
bile phone reception. In an emergency, remove
the mobile phone from the mobile phone cradle
(
page 507) to make a call.
iThe “911” emergency call system is a public
service. Using it without due cause is a criminal
offense.

513 Controls in detail
Useful features
Initiating an emergency call manually
1SOS button
2Cover
Briefly press button on cover2 to
open.
Cover 2 will open.
Press SOS button1 (for longer than
2 seconds).
The indicator lamp in SOS button1
will flash until the emergency call is
concluded.
Wait for a voice connection to the
Response Center.
Close cover2 after the emergency
call is concluded.Roadside Assistance button• and
Information button¡
The Roadside Assistance button• and
the Information button¡ are located in
the storage compartment below the front
armrest (
page 495).
1Information button¡
2Roadside Assistance button•
Warning!G
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, ve-
hicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
pressed the emergency button. Carefully
leave the vehicle and move to a safe loca-
tion. The Response Center will automatically
contact local emergency officials with the
vehicle’s approximate location if they
receive an automatic SOS signal and cannot
make voice contact with the vehicle occu-
pants.

514 Controls in detail
Useful features
Roadside Assistance button•
Press and hold Roadside Assistance
button • (for longer than
2 seconds).
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside As-
sistance dispatcher will be initiated.
The button will flash while the call is in
progress. The message:

“Connecting call” appears in the
multifunction display

“Roadside Assistance Activated”
appears in the COMAND display
and the audio system is muted.
When the connection is established, the
message:

“Call connected” appears in the multi-
function display

“Roadside Assistance Activated”
appears in the COMAND display The Tele Aid system will transmit data gen-
erating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to avail-
ability of cellular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Roadside
Assistance dispatcher and the occupants
of the vehicle will be established.
Describe the nature of the need for as-
sistance.
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
dispatcher will either dispatch a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to
tow your vehicle to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such
as labor and/or towing, charges may ap-
ply. Refer to the Roadside Assistance Man-
ual for more information.
These programs are only available in the
USA:

Sign and Drive services: Services such
as jump start, a few gallons of fuel or
the replacement of a flat tire with the
vehicle spare tire are obtainable.
iThe indicator lamp in the Roadside Assis-
tance button• remains illuminated in red for
approximately 10 seconds during the system
self-check after switching on the ignition (togeth-
er with the SOS button and the Information
button¡).
See system self-check (
page 511) if the indi-
cator lamp does not come on in red or stays on
longer than approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance
button• is flashing continuously and no
voice connection to the Response Center was
established, the Tele Aid system could not ini-
tiate a Roadside Assistance call (e.g. the relevant
mobile phone network is not available). The mes-
sage:

“Call failed” appears in the multifunction dis-
play for approximately 10 seconds

“Call could not be connected!” appears in
the COMAND display. Confirm the message
pressing
n (page 88).
Roadside Assistance calls can be terminated us-
ing button t on the multifunction steering
wheel or COMAND (
page 132).

515 Controls in detail
Useful features
Information button¡
Press and hold Information button
¡ (for longer than 2 seconds).
A call to the Customer Assistance Cen-
ter will be initiated. The button will
flash while the call is in progress. The
message:

“Connecting call” appears in the
multifunction display

“Information Call Activated” ap-
pears in the COMAND display
and the audio system is muted.
When the connection is established, the
message:

“Call connected” appears in the multi-
function display

“Information Call Activated” appears in
the COMAND display
The Tele Aid system will transmit data gen-
erating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to avail-
ability of cellular and GPS signals).A voice connection between the Customer
Assistance Center representative and the
occupants of the vehicle will be estab-
lished. Information regarding the operation
of your vehicle, the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or Mercedes-Benz
USA products and services is available to
you.
For more details concerning the Tele Aid
system, please visit www.mbusa.com and
use your ID and password (sent to you sep-
arately) to learn more (USA only).
iThe indicator lamp on the Information
button¡ remains illuminated in red for ap-
proximately 10 seconds during the system
self-check after switching on the ignition (togeth-
er with the SOS button and the Roadside Assis-
tance button•).
See system self-check (
page 511) if the indi-
cator lamp does not come on in red or stays on
longer than approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Information
button¡ is flashing continuously and no
voice connection to the Response Center was
established, then the Tele Aid system could not
initiate an Information call (e.g. the relevant mobile phone network is not available). The mes-
sage:

“Call failed” appears in the multifunction dis-
play for approximately 10 seconds

“Call could not be connected!” appears in
the COMAND display. Confirm the message
pressing n (
page 88).
Information calls can be terminated using button
t on the multifunction steering wheel or
COMAND (
page 132).
!If the indicator lamps do not start flashing
after pressing one of the buttons or remain illu-
minated (in red) at any time, the Tele Aid system
has detected a fault or the service is not current-
ly activated, and may not initiate a call. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center and have
the system checked or contact the Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada) as soon as possi-
ble.

516 Controls in detail
Useful features
Destination Download to the COMAND
System
Destination Download allows you access
to a database of over 10,000,000 points of
interest (POIs) that can be downloaded to
your vehicle’s navigation system. If you
know the destination the address can be
downloaded. Or if you are unsure of your
destination you can be provided with
points of interests near your location.
The Response Center can transmit desti-
nation data to the COMAND during the
connection with the Roadside Assistance
or Customer Assistance Center.
The transmitted data can contain address
details for a Mercedes-Benz Center or POIs
(points of interest).Route guidance
A prompt appears for confirmation if route
guidance to the address is to be started.
Slide rmq or rotate ymz to select
“Yes” menu item and confirm by
pressingn.
The system starts the route calculation
and subsequently the route guidance
to the defined address (
page 159).
Call priority
If other service calls such as a Roadside
Assistance call or Information call are ac-
tive, an emergency call is still possible. In
this case, the emergency call will take pri-
ority and override all other active calls.
iThe components and operating principles of
COMAND can be found on (
page 85).
iIf you select “No”, you can save the address
in your address book (
page 224).
iThe destination download feature is avail-
able if the relevant mobile phone network is
available and data connection is possible.
iThe indicator lamp in the respective button
flashes until the call is concluded. Calls can only
be terminated by a Response Center or Custom-
er Assistance Center representative except
Roadside Assistance and Information calls,
which can also be terminated by pressing
buttont on the multifunction steering wheel
or COMAND (
page 132).
!If the indicator lamp continues to flash or
the system does not terminate the call at all,
contact the Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada), or Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) in the USA or Customer Ser-
vice at 1-800-387-0100 in Canada.
iWhen a Tele Aid call has been initiated, the
audio system is muted. The optional mobile
phone (if installed) switches off. If you must use
this phone, the vehicle must be parked. Unplug
the telephone, switch it on and place the call.
The COMAND navigation system (if engaged) will
continue to run. The multifunction display in the
instrument cluster is available for use, but spo-
ken commands are not available.

517 Controls in detail
Useful features
Remote door unlock
In case you have locked your vehicle unin-
tentionally (e.g. SmartKey inside vehicle),
and the reserve SmartKey is not handy:
Contact the Mercedes-Benz Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
You will be asked to provide your pass-
word which you provided when you
completed the subscriber agreement.
or
Contact the Tele Aid web page via In-
ternet using the ID and password sent
to you shortly after the completion of
your acquaintance call.
Then return to your vehicle and pull the
trunk lid handle for a minimum of
20 seconds until the SOS button be-
gins to flash.
The message: “Call connecting” ap-
pears in the multifunction display and
the SOS button is flashing.
The Response Center will then unlock
your vehicle with the remote door un-
locking feature.Remote door lock
If you have forgotten to lock your vehicle
and are no longer near it, you can have it
locked remotely through the Response
Center.
The vehicle can be remotely locked within
4 days after the ignition has been switched
off.
Contact the Mercedes-Benz Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
You will be asked to provide your pass-
word which you provided when you
completed the subscriber agreement.
When you are inside your vehicle the next
time and switch on the ignition, the mes-
sage “Tele Aid Doors locked by remote con-
trol” will appear on the multifunction
display.
iYou can exit Roadside Assistance and/ or
the information display during an active connec-
tion and call up the COMAND application last se-
lected. To do so, select “Back”. Meanwhile,
mute remains active (
page 85).
iThe remote door unlock feature is available
if the relevant mobile phone network is available
and data connection is possible.
The SOS button will flash and the message: “Call
connecting” appears in the multifunction display
to indicate receipt of the door unlock command.
Once the vehicle is unlocked, a Response Center
specialist might attempt to establish voice con-
tact with the vehicle occupants.
If the trunk lid handle was pulled for more than
20 seconds before door unlock authorization
was received by the Response Center, you must
wait 15 minutes before pulling the trunk lid han-
dle again.
iThe remote door lock feature is available if
the relevant mobile phone network is available
and data connection is possible.

518 Controls in detail
Useful features
Automatic Maintenance Call
The 2007 S-Class is equipped with a fea-
ture which considerably enhances the care
of your vehicle. Just prior to your vehicle
reaching a maintenance milestone Tele Aid
will initiate a message informing the ser-
vice center, important vehicle mainte-
nance information and the vehicle is due
for a service appointment. The message is
transmitted in the background with no
driver interaction necessary. This feature
allows your preferred Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter to significantly improve the process of
arranging your service appointment and
ensures that your vehicle receives the best
possible care.Stolen Vehicle Recovery services
In the event your vehicle was stolen:
Report the incident to the police.
The police will issue a numbered
incident report.
Pass this number on to the
Mercedes-Benz Response Center along
with your password issued to you when
you subscribed to the service.
The Response Center will then attempt
to covertly contact the vehicle’s
Tele Aid system. Once the vehicle is
located, the Response Center will
contact the local law enforcement and
you. The vehicle’s location will only be
provided to law enforcement.
Garage door opener
The integrated remote control is capable of
operating up to three separately controlled
devices. It provides a convenient way to re-
place up to three hand-held remote con-
trols used to operate devices such as
garage door openers, gate openers, or oth-
er devices compatible with HomeLink
® or
some other systems.
Before the integrated remote control can
be used, it must be programmed to the ga-
rage door opener, gate operator or other
device you wish to operate. See the follow-
ing instructions for programming informa-
tion.
iThe Automatic Maintenance Call feature is
available if the relevant mobile phone network is
available and data connection is possible.
iWhen the anti-theft alarm stays on for more
than 30 seconds, a call is initiated automatically
to the Response Center. See anti-theft alarm
system (
page 81).

519 Controls in detail
Useful features
Interior rear view mirror with integrated
remote control
1Indicator lamp
2 3 4Signal transmitter button
Needed for programming (not part of vehi-
cle equipment):
5Hand-held remote control of ga-
rage door opener, gate operator
or other device
6Hand-held remote control
button
Warning!G
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent po-
tential harm or damage. When programming
a garage door opener, the door moves up or
down. When programming a gate operator,
the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control
with any garage door opener that lacks
safety stop and reverse features as required
by U.S. federal safety standards (this
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982).
A garage door that cannot detect an object
– signaling the door to stop and reverse –
does not meet current U.S. federal safety
standards.
When programming a garage door opener,
park the vehicle outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming
the integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health.
All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.