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

730 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz recommends only the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build-up of carbon depos-
its.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to en-
gine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation

Unstable idle

Knocking/pinging

Misfire

Power lossIn areas where carbon deposits may be en-
countered due to lack of availability of gas-
olines which contains these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to the Fac-
tory Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only) or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for a listing of ap-
proved product(s). Follow directions on
product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and
may be harmful to the engine operation.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which pro-
vides:

Corrosion protection

Freeze protection

Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
!Damage or malfunction resulting from poor
fuel quality or from blending additional fuel addi-
tives other than those tested and approved by us
for use on Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not cov-
ered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.!Add premixed coolant solution only. Adding
water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
separately from each other, could cause engine
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.

731 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for re-
placement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately –35°F
[–37°C]).If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approximately –49°F [–45°C]), the
engine temperature will increase due to
the lower heat transfer capability of the so-
lution. Therefore, do not use more than
this amount of anticorrosion/ antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of alumi-
num parts. The use of aluminum compo-
nents in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be specifical-
ly formulated to protect the aluminum
parts. Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a signifi-
cantly shortened service life.
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0 Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.

732 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
ModelApproximate freeze protection
– 35°F (– 37°C)– 49°F (– 45°C)
S 550
S 550 4MATICVehicles without rear passenger
compartment climate control*6.08 US qt. (5.75 l)6.71 US qt. (6.35 l)
Vehicles with rear passenger com-
partment climate control*6.97 US qt. (6.60 l)7.66 US qt. (7.25 l)
S 600 (main cooling system)7.34 US qt. (6.95 l)8.08 US qt. (7.65 l)
S 600 (low temperature cooling system)1.37 US qt. (1.3 l)1.51 US qt. (1.43 l)
S 63 AMG6.0 US qt. (5.6 l)7.0 US qt. (6.16 l)
S 65 AMG (main cooling system)7.4 US qt. (7.0 l)8.14 US qt. (7.7 l)
S 65 AMG (low temperature cooling system)1.64 US qt. (1.55 l)1.81 US qt. (1.71 l)

733 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
Both the windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning systems are supplied
from the windshield washer reservoir.
The windshield washer reservoir has a ca-
pacity of approximately 6.87 US qt (6.5 l).
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate and water (or con-
centrate and commercially available
premixed windshield washer solvent/
antifreeze, depending on ambient tem-
peratures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“MB SummerFit” and water:

1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts
water
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to
1 gal [4.0 l] water).
For temperatures below freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“MB SummerFit” and commercially avail-
able premixed windshield washer sol-
vent/antifreeze:

1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts
solvent
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to
1 gal [4.0 l] solvent).Warning!G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.

734

735 Index
A
ABC* 442
Messages in display 626
Setting vehicle level 443
ABS 66
Indicator lamp 29, 66, 598
Messages in display 628
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 406
Accessory weight 576
Accident 394
Active headlamps 371
Adaptive Brake Lights
(S 600 and USA only) 68
Adaptive Damping System
(Airmatic) 440
Additional turn signals 679
Address book (COMAND) 224
Calling up 224
Changing an entry 229
Creating an entry 225
Deleting an entry 226
Details about an entry 228
Displaying details about an entry in the
phone book on the mobile
phone 229Importing data 234
Making a call 231
Menu overview 224
Searching for an entry 226
Starting route guidance 231
Voice entry 232
Address book (Voice Control*) 306
ADS (Airmatic) 440
Air bags 42
Children 57
Front 45
Front passenger front air bag
indicator lamp 50
OCS 47
Safety guidelines 44
Side impact 46
Window curtain 46
Air conditioning, Refrigerant 727, 728
Air distribution
Adjusting 478
Adjusting (COMAND) 253
Air pressure 576
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 474
Air vents 468Air volume
Adjusting 472, 478
Adjusting (COMAND) 253
Airmatic 440
Messages in display 642
Setting vehicle level 441
Alarm
Audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps (Panic alarm) 65
Alarm system see Anti-theft alarm system
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 668, 689
Ambient lighting
COMAND menu 247
AMG menu (Control system
instrument cluster) 273
AMG vehicles
Manual shift program mode 413
Antiglare
Rear view mirrors 363
Anti-theft systems 81
Alarm, visual and audible 81
Anti-theft alarm system 81
Immobilizer 81
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 495, 496

736 Index
Ashtrays 503
Aspect ratio 576
Audio (COMAND) 112
CD mode 120
DVD mode 120
MP3 mode 120
Audio (Control system
instrument cluster) 271
CD changer 272
CD/DVD changer 272
DVD changer 272
Audio DVD
Fast forward/rewind (COMAND) 122
Menu overview (COMAND) 119
Pause function (COMAND) 121
Stop function (COMAND) 121
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 363
Automatic climate control 469
Adjusting air distribution
(COMAND) 253
Adjusting air flow from air vents
(COMAND) 256
Adjusting air volume (COMAND) 253
Adjusting the footwell temperature
(COMAND) 255
Air recirculation mode 474Central climate control menu
(COMAND) 254
Central menu for rear climate control*
(COMAND) 257
Defrosting 472
Operating the rear climate control*
from the front 257
Operating via COMAND 251
Rear window defroster 473
Selecting Mono mode
(COMAND) 255
Setting temperature (COMAND) 252
Setting the temperature 472
Setting the temperature in the rear
passenger compartment 478
Switching cooling on or off
(COMAND) 254
Automatic headlamp mode 282, 372
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 378
Automatic locking when driving 342
Automatic shift program 409Automatic transmission
Accelerator position 406
Automatic shift program 409
Emergency operation
(limp-home mode) 416
Fluid 724
Fluid level 546
Gear ranges 408
Gear selector lever 399
Gear shifting malfunctions 416
Hill start assist system 407
Kickdown 406
Kickdown, manual shift program
(AMG vehicles) 415
Manual shift program mode
(AMG vehicles) 413
Program mode selector switch 409
Shifting procedure 402
Starting the engine 389
Steering wheel gearshift control 411
Transmission fluid 546
Transmission positions 403

737 Index
B
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs 679
Bar 576
BAS 68
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 340
Replacing 676
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking battery condition 340
Replacing 676
Batteries, vehicle 692
Charging 695
Discharged, Jump starting 697
Disconnecting 694
For electrical consumers 692
For starter 692
Message in display 644
Reconnecting 696
Removing 695
Bead 576
Beverage holder see Cup holder
Bluetooth
®
Settings (COMAND) 239Brake assist system (BAS Plus) 69
Brake assist system (BAS) 68
Brake fluid 540, 725, 728
Brake lamp bulbs 679
Brake lamp, high mounted 679
Brake pads
Message in display 632
Brake warning lamp 29
Brakes 528
High-performance brake system
(AMG vehicles only) 529
Warning lamp 29, 599
Break-in period 526
Bulbs, replacing 678
Additional turn signals 679
Brake lamps 679
Fog lamps 679
Front lamps 679
High beam 679
High mounted brake lamp 679
License plate lamps 679
Low beam 679
Parking and standing lamps 679
Rear fog lamp 679
Turn signal lamps 679C
California retail buyers and lessees,
important notice for 15
Can holder see Cup holder
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 724
Cargo area see Trunk
Cargo tie-down hooks 500
Carpets, Cleaning and care of 594
Catalytic converter 536
CD
Ejecting (COMAND) 117
Loading (COMAND) 115
Menu overview (COMAND) 119
Playback options (COMAND) 123
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 121
Selecting a track (COMAND) 122
CD (COMAND) 112
Central locking
Automatic 342
Locking/unlocking from inside 343
Central locking/unlocking switches 343
Certification label 712
Change of address or ownership 16

738 Index
Children in the vehicle 57
Air bags 57
Indicator lamp front passenger front
air bag off 50, 610
Infant and child restraint systems 58
LATCH-type child seat anchors 62
Override switch for rear passenger
compartment 63
Tether attachment points 61
Cigarette lighter 504
Cockpit 26
COMAND
Adjusting volume 96
Components 85
Controller 88
Display 86
Display illumination 87
Function buttons 86
Main menus 96
Menu overview 90
Navigation system 159
Operating 90
Operating safety 84
Operating seats 259Phone book* 147
Radio, FM/AM 100
Selecting sound settings 97
SMS messages 155
Surround sound 98
Switching off/on the audio
source 99
Switching on or off 85
Swiveling display 87
system settings 235
Telephone keypad* 88
Telephone menu* 132
Vehicle menu 242
Voice Control* settings 237
Combination switch 375
Corner-illuminating lamps 376
High beam flasher 375
Turn signals 393
Windshield wipers 381
Command list (Voice Control*) 315
Address book commands 320
Audio commands 322
General commands 315
Navigation commands 318
Telephone* commands 316Control system instrument cluster 264
Multifunction display 264
Multifunction steering wheel 265
Control system instrument cluster menus
AMG 273
Assistance* 279
Audio 271
Navi 269
Service 280
Settings 281
Telephone* 276
Trip 268
Vehicle status message memory 280
Coolant 547
Adding 548
Anticorrosion/antifreeze mixing ratio
and quantity 730
Checking level 547
Messages in display 645
Temperature 537
Temperature gauge 29, 417
Coolant level
Checking 547
Corner-illuminating lamps 376
Courtesy lighting 380

739 Index
Cruise control 419
Activating 420
Canceling 421
Driving downhill 421
Driving uphill 421
Message in display 614
Setting current speed 420
Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function) 423
Cup holder
In front seat armrest 498
In rear seat armrest 498
Curb weight 576
D
Date
Setting (COMAND) 236
Daytime running lamp mode 373
Setting 281
Deceleration
With DISTRONIC Plus* 428
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting 472
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (COMAND) 242
Interior lighting (COMAND) 248Department of Transportation see DOT
Destination entry (COMAND) 172
Destination memory (COMAND) 217
Difficulties
While driving 393
While starting 391
Digital speedometer 269
Additional speedometer 282
Dimensions, Vehicle 723
Direction of rotation, Tires 553
Displays
Additional speedometer 282
Digital speedometer 269
DISTRONIC Plus* 427
Maintenance service indicator 582
Multifunction display 264
Vehicle status message see
Multifunction display messages
Distance
Decreasing in DISTRONIC Plus* 437
Increasing in DISTRONIC Plus* 437
Setting in DISTRONIC Plus* 436
Distance to Empty (Range) 269
Distance warning lamp* 29, 604DISTRONIC Plus* 424
Activated 429
Activating 430
Calling up settings 428
Cleaning system sensor 589
Deactivated 429
Deactivating 435
Deceleration 428
Decreasing distance 437
Decreasing time interval 436
Displays in the multifunction
display 427
Distance warning lamp 29, 604
Driving hints 437
Increasing distance 437
Increasing time interval 436
Intermittent signal tone 427
Lever 430
Menu 428
Messages in display 615
Sensor cover 589
Setting a higher speed 433
Setting a slower speed 434
Setting following distance 436