height MERCEDES-BENZ S550 4MATIC 2010 W221 Owner's Manual

G
Garage door opener .......................... 395
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 431
Gear range ......................................... 321
Indicator ........................................ 321
Limiting .......................................... 323
Shifting into optimal ......................324
Gear selector lever ............................ 317
Cleaning ......................................... 446
Gearshift pattern ........................... 317
Shifting procedure .........................319
Transmission position indicator .....320
Transmission positions ..................320
Generator
see Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 381
Gracenote ®
Media Database ............ 185
Gross Axle Weight Rating
see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 431
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 431
H
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 446
Hazard warning flasher .................... 302
HD Radio™ ......................................... 167
Headlamp cleaning system .............. 303
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps ...........298
Adaptive Highbeam Assist .............301
Automatic headlamp mode ............299
Bi-Xenon ................................ 298, 505
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Cleaning system ............................ 303
Daytime running lamp mode ..........299
High-beam flasher .........................302
High-beam headlamps ...................301
Low-beam headlamps ....................299
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Replacing bulbs ............................. 504
Switch ............................................ 298
Headliner and shelf below rear
window, cleaning and care of .......... 446
Headphone ........................................... 82
Replacing batteries ........................502
Head restraints ................................. 286
Adjustment ............................ 286, 289
Comfort head restraint ..................289
Folding back .................................. 290
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ......................................... 55
Rear seat head restraints ............... 290
Heated steering wheel ...................... 294
Height adjustment
Seat belt outlet ................................ 52
Seats ............................................. 286
Vehicle level control ......................344
High-beam flasher ............................. 302
High-beam headlamps .............. 301, 505
Adaptive Highbeam Assist .............301
Indicator lamp .................................. 32
High-performance brake system ..... 437
Hill-start assist system ..................... 341
HOLD function ................................... 342
Hood ................................................... 404
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Horn ...................................................... 30
Hydroplaning ..................................... 437
I
Identification labels .......................... 524
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 525
Ignition ....................................... 284, 311
Immobilizer .......................................... 71
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems
see Children in the vehicle
Inflation pressure
see Tires, Inflation pressure
Infrared reflecting windshield ......... 399
10Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 10

S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................63
Occupant safety ............................... 40
Reporting defects ............................ 24
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Satellite radio .................................... 170
SD card ............................................... 180
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 53
Seat belts ............................................. 49
Adjustment function ........................52
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........54
Children in the vehicle .....................56
Cleaning ......................................... 446
Fastening ......................................... 51
Height adjustment ...........................52
Proper use of ................................... 50
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Safety notes ..................................... 49
Telltale ..................................... 32, 493
Seat heating ....................................... 292
Seating capacity ................................ 419
Seats .................................................. 286
Adjustment .................................... 286
Drive-dynamic ................................ 219
Heating .......................................... 292
Memory function ........................... 297
Multicontour, front ......................... 218
Multicontour, rear ..........................293
Ventilation ..................................... 292
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down hooks ....................381
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 49
Tele Aid .......................................... 389
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 524
Service and warranty information ..... 21Service intervals
see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 423
Service menu ..................................... 233
Settings
Automatic locking ..........................210
Automatic mirror folding ................209
Display settings (COMAND) .............92
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 208
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......277
Factory setting (SmartKey) ............275
Individual (vehicle) .........................234
Interior ambient lighting ................209
Language ......................................... 94
Locator lighting .............................. 210
Memory function ........................... 297
Night security illumination .............208
Rear window sunshade ..................207
Seat belt adjustment function .......236
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) ..... 277
Selective setting (SmartKey) .......... 275
Time ................................................. 92
Trunk opening-height restriction ....210
Voice Control System ......................93
Shelf below rear window, cleaning .. 446
Shortcut buttons ................................. 77
Side impact air bags ........................... 45
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 432
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 433
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 532
Mounting ....................................... 509
Storage location ............................ 451
Speedometer ....................................... 3216Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 16

Transmission positions .................... 320
Traveling abroad ............................... 438
Tread (tires) ....................................... 432
Tread depth (tires) .................... 423, 432
Treadwear .......................................... 424
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 423, 432
Trip menu ........................................... 223
Trunk
Closing ........................................... 280
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening ......................................... 279
Opening/closing system ...............281
Opening-height restriction .............210
Tie-down hooks .............................. 381
Trunk lid emergency release ..........282
Unlocking manually .......................500
Valet locking .................................. 283
Turning off the engine ...................... 316
Turn signals ....................................... 301
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Indicator lamps ................................ 32
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 488
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 424, 432
Units
Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 235
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 541
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 275
Manually ........................................ 499
SmartKey ....................................... 274
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 446
USB devices (media interface) ......... 200
USB socket ........................................... 80
Useful features .................................. 384
V
Valet locking ...................................... 283
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 512
Care ............................................... 440
Control system .............................. 220
Identification Number (VIN) ...........524
Individual settings ..........................234
Locking/unlocking ........................274
Lowering (wheel change) ...............512
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 23
Towing ........................................... 516
Unlocking/locking manually ..........499
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 524
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see AIRMATIC
Vehicle lighting .................................. 298
Vehicle loading
Instructions .................................... 379
Load limit ....................................... 419
Roof rack ....................................... 380
Terminology ................................... 430
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 432
Vehicle specification
S 450 4MATIC ............................... 527
S 550 ............................................. 527
S 550 4MATIC ............................... 528
S 600 ............................................. 529
S 63 AMG ...................................... 530
S 65 AMG ...................................... 531
Vehicle status message memory .... 233
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 450
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
Video .................................................. 191
Video Aux ........................................... 186
Voice Control System
Address book ................................. 249
CD/DVD changer/MP3 .................255
Command list ................................ 257
External devices ............................. 257
Individualization ............................. 271
Introduction ................................... 237
Navigation ..................................... 240Index19221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 19

seat belt provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and the seat belt is properly
positioned on the body.GWarning!
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than
there are seat belts available. Make sure
everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly
restrained with a separate seat belt. Never
use a seat belt for more than one person at a
time.
GWarning!
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident must
be replaced. Also, the seat belt anchoring
points must be checked.
Only use seat belts which have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
Do not make any modifications to the seat
belts. This can lead to unintended activation
of the ETDs or to their failure to activate when
necessary.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Have all work carried out only by qualified
technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Proper use of seat belts
GWarning!
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY
R Seat belts can only protect when used
properly. Never wear seat belts in any other
way than as described in this section, as
that could result in serious injuries in case
of an accident.
R Each occupant should wear their seat belt
at all times, because seat belts help reduce
the likelihood of and potential severity of
injuries in accidents, including rollovers.
The integrated restraint system includes
SRS (driver front air bag, front passenger
front air bag, side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags for door windows),
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs),
seat belt force limiters, and front seat knee
bolsters.
The system is designed to enhance the
protection offered to properly belted
occupants in certain frontal (front air bags
and ETDs) and side (side impact air bags,
window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts
which exceed preset deployment
thresholds and in certain rollovers (window
curtain air bags and ETDs).
R Never wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, against your neck or off your shoulder.
In a frontal crash, your body would move
too far forward. That would increase the
chance of head and neck injuries. The seat
belt would also apply too much force to the
ribs or abdomen, which could severely
injure internal organs such as your liver or
spleen.
Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder. It should not
touch the neck. Never pass the shoulder
portion of the seat belt under your arm. For
this purpose, you can adjust the height of
the seat belt outlet.
R Position the lap belt as low as possible on
your hips and not across the abdomen. If
the lap belt is positioned across your
abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in
a crash.
R Never wear seat belts over rigid or
breakable objects in or on your clothing,
such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as
these might cause injuries.
R Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care of this when
wearing loose clothing.
R Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt50Occupant safetySafety and security
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 50

around a person and another person or
other objects at the same time.
RSeat belts should not be worn twisted. In a
crash, you would not have the full width of
the seat belt to distribute impact forces.
The twisted seat belt against your body
could cause injuries.
RPregnant women should also always use a
lap/shoulder belt. The lap belt portion
should be positioned as low as possible on
the hips to avoid any possible pressure on
the abdomen.
RPlace the seat backrest in a position that is
as upright as possible.
RCheck your seat belt during travel to make
sure it is properly positioned.
RNever place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
RWhen using a seat belt to secure infant
restraints, toddler restraints, or children in
booster seats, always follow the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
GWarning!
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the seat belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to seat
belts. This could impair the effectiveness of
the seat belts.
Fastening the seat belts
GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see “Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
XWith a smooth motion, pull the seat belt out
of seat belt outlet :.
XPlace the shoulder portion of the seat belt
across the top of your shoulder and the lap
portion across your hips.
XPush latch plate ; into buckle = until it
clicks.
Seat belt adjustment function: The seat
belts on both front seats adjust to the
upper body automatically as necessary
(Y page 52).
XIf necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
correct height (Y page 52).
XIf necessary, tighten the lap portion to a
snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.
Occupant safety51Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 51Z

All lap/shoulder belts except the driver’s seat
belt have special seat belt retractors to
secure child restraints properly. For more
information on special seat belt retractors,
see “Infant and child restraint systems”
(Y page 57).
To release the seat belt with seat belt release
button ?, see (Y page 52).
Seat belt outlet height adjustment
XRaising: Slide the seat belt outlet height
adjuster upward.
The seat belt outlet height adjuster
engages in different positions.
XLowering: Press and hold release
button :.
XSlide the seat belt outlet height adjuster
downward.
XRelease release button : and make sure
the seat belt outlet height adjuster engages
into place.
The seat belts for the rear outer seats are
adjusted automatically.
Seat belt adjustment function
Depending on vehicle production date, your
vehicle may be equipped with this function.
The seat belt adjustment function adjusts the
seat belts on both front seats to the upper
body of the respective vehicle occupant. The
seat belt will be pulled slightly tighter for that
purpose when
Ryou engage the latch plate into the buckle
and then turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 2
Rthe SmartKey in the starter switch is in
position 2 and you then engage the latch
plate in the buckle
The seat belt adjustment function takes place
with a certain amount of retracting force
when the system senses slack between the
vehicle occupant and the seat belt. Do not
retain the seat belt during this procedure. You
can activate or deactivate the seat belt
adjustment function via the control system
(Y page 236).
Releasing the seat belts
XPress seat belt release button ?
(Y page 51).
Allow the retractor to completely rewind
the seat belt by guiding latch plate ;
(Y page 51).
! Make sure the seat belt retracts
completely. Otherwise the seat belt and/or
latch plate could get caught or pinched in
the door or in the seat mechanism. This can
damage the seat belt and impair its
effectiveness, and/or cause damage to the
door and/or door trim panel. Such damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Damaged seat belts must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Enhanced seat belt reminder system
When the engine is started, the seat belt
telltale 7 will always illuminate for
6 seconds to remind you and your passengers
to fasten your seat belts.
52Occupant safetySafety and security
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 52

! When adjusting the seat backrests, make
sure there are no items behind the seats.
Otherwise, you could damage the seats
and/or the items.
For information on the seat belt adjustment
function as an integrated comfort feature of
the PRE-SAFE ®
system, see ( Y page 52).
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints
The NECK-PRO active front head restraints
are intended to offer the driver and front
passenger increased protection from
whiplash-type injuries. In the event of a rear-
end collision, the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints on the front seats are designed to
move forward in the direction of travel. They
thus provide the head with increased support
earlier on in the collision sequence. The
NECK-PRO active front head restraints will
move forward whether the seats are occupied
or not.
GWarning!
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the
head restraint posts. Otherwise, the NECK-
PRO active front head restraints may not be
able to function properly or offer the intended
degree of protection they were designed for
in the event of a rear-end collision.
GWarning!
Only use seat or head restraint covers which
have been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers may
interfere with or prevent the activation of the
NECK-PRO active front head restraints and/
or the deployment of the front side impact air
bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
When the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints have been triggered in an accident,
the NECK-PRO active front head restraints
must be reset. Otherwise, the NECK-PRO
active front head restraints cannot offer any
additional protection in the event of another
rear-end collision.
For information on resetting the activated
NECK-PRO active front head restraints, see
“Resetting activated head restraints”
( Y page 501).
You cannot remove the NECK-PRO active
front head restraints.GWarning!
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
For information on head restraint adjustment,
see “Head restraint height” ( Y page 287), or
see “Head restraint fore and aft adjustment”
( Y page 289).
Correct driver seat adjustment
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R head restraint adjustment
R steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts
Occupant safety55Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 55Z

injured or even killed if the front passenger
front air bag inflates.
RIf you have to place a child in a forward-
facing child restraint on the front passenger
seat, move the seat as far back as possible,
use the proper child restraint
recommended for the age, size and weight
of the child, and secure child restraint with
the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions. For
children larger than the typical 12-month-
old child, the front passenger front air bag
may or may not be activated.
GWarning!
Infants and small children should never share
a seat belt with another occupant. During an
accident, they could be crushed between the
occupant and seat belt.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position
shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not
face or neck. A booster seat may be
necessary to achieve proper seat belt
positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until
they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt
fits properly without a booster.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove
it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat
belt to prevent the child restraint from
becoming a projectile in the event of an
accident.
Installation of infant and child restraint
systems
GObserve Safety notes, see page 56.
This vehicle is equipped with tether
anchorages for a top tether strap at each of
the rear seating positions.
Top tether straps enable an additional
connection to be made between child
restraint systems secured with LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) anchors and rear seats. This can
further reduce the risk of injury.
XVehicles with rear power seats: Bring the
rear power seat backrest to a fully upright
position (Y page 287).
XRemove anchorage ring cover : from the
anchorage ring of the seat on which a child
seat is to be installed.
XStore anchorage ring cover : in a
convenient place (e.g. glove box).
XGuide top tether strap ? between the
head restraint and top of the seat backrest.
The head restraint must be positioned such
that top tether strap ? can pass freely
between the head restraint and top of the
seat backrest.
XMake sure top tether strap ? is not
twisted.
Occupant safety59Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 59Z

XSecurely fasten hook =, which is part of
top tether strap ?, to anchorage ring ;.
XFor safety, make sure hook = is attached
to anchorage ring ; beyond the safety
catch, as illustrated.
Once hook = is attached, the child restraint
itself can be secured.
XInstall the child restraint system and
tighten top tether strap ? according to the
child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
After removing the child restraint system and
top tether strap ?:
XReinstall anchorage ring cover :.GWarning!
Vehicles with rear power seats:
Never change the rear seat position after
installing the child restraint. This could
Rdamage the child restraint
Rintroduce undesirable slack or tension into
the seat belt
Rloosen the child restraint
Rmisposition the child restraint
All of the above will lessen the
effectiveness of the child restraint and thus
increase the chance or severity of injury in
an accident.
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX)
GObserve Safety notes, see page 56.GWarning!
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position
shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not
face or neck.
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where
a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a
booster.
Install child seat according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
The child seat must be firmly attached to both
anchors.
An incorrectly mounted child seat may come
loose during an accident which could result in
serious injury or death to the child.
Damaged or impact damaged child seats or
child seat mounting fittings must be replaced.
Each rear outer seat has two LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) anchors for the installation of a
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat with matching
mounting fittings.
Non-LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seats may
also be used and can be installed using the
vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child seat
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The LATCH-type (ISOFIX) anchors are
covered with upholstery blends.
Information sign : indicates the position of
anchor ;.
XBring the rear power seat backrest to a fully
upright position (Y page 287).
XFold upholstery blend = upward to access
anchors ;.
XTurn installation device ? to a vertical
position so that upholstery blend = does
not fold down.
XInstall a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
A rigid connection between the child seat
and the body of the vehicle is established.
60Occupant safetySafety and security
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 60

NaviAudioTelephoneVideoVehicleModeFM/AM RadioVideo DVDMulti-function
Contour Seat
Settings/
Lumbar Settings
Map OrientationSat. RadioAUXRear Window
Sunshade
POI Symbols On MapDiscVideo OFFEasy Entry/ExitTraffic Symbols on
Map
Memory CardExterior Lighting
Delayed Shut-off
Text Information on
Map
Music RegisterInterior Lighting
Delayed Shut-off
ªTopographical
Map
Media InterfaceAmbient LightingªCity (3D)USBªAutomatic
Mirror Folding
ªHighway
Information
RearªLocator
Lighting
ªAudio FadeoutAUXªAutomatic
Locking
SIRIUS ServiceAudio OFFªTrunk
Opening-height
Restriction
Map VersionCalling up the main menu
Example illustration: Audio main menu
You can call up the main menu of a main
function in the following manner:
XMoving to the main function line: Slide
ZV.
XSelecting a main function: Slide XVY or
rotate cVd.
XConfirming selection: Press W.
iWhen a main function (e.g. Navi) is open
and you want to open the menu of the
Audio function for example, the main
function Audio must be selected twice.
Upon selecting the first time, the COMAND
system selects the main function Audio.
COMAND introduction85Control systems221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 85Z