open hood 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
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Exterior view
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Trunk:Locking and unlocking274Opening and closing279,
280
Valet locking283;Rear lamps504=Rear window defroster372?Fuel filler flap402ADoors:Locking and unlocking274,
499
BExterior rear view mirrors295Parking position295Power-folding296CTowing eyes517DTires and wheels410FunctionPageRims and tires532EHood404FHeadlamp cleaning system303GFront lamps504HWipers305Wiper blades, replacing507Wiper blades, cleaning445IWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid305Cleaning445JRoof:Power tilt/sliding sunroof373Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel375
28Exterior viewAt a glance
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ActivatingXWith SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
XWith KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating
XSwitch on the ignition.
iStarting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
Ra door
Rthe trunk
Rthe hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
Rthe vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
Ra door is opened from the inside
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 73).
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Customer Assistance Center
automatically. The Tele Aid system will
initiate the call provided that
Ryou have subscribed to the Tele Aid
service
Rthe Tele Aid service has been activated
properly
Rthe necessary mobile phone, power
supply and GPS coverage are available
XArming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times and
an acoustic warning sounds three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
iIf the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times and the acoustic warning does not
sound three times, a door or the trunk may
not be properly closed.
Close the respective element.
XDisarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once and an
acoustic warning sounds once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
72Anti-theft systemsSafety and security
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the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Electronic parking brake
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the electronic parking brake and/or
shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P, either of which could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
Releasing electronic parking brake
manually
XSwitch on the ignition.XPull handle :.
The red indicator lamp F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Releasing electronic parking brake
automatically
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
RThe engine is running.
RThe automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R. With the
automatic transmission in reverse gear R
the trunk lid must be closed.
RThe hood is closed.
RYou have fastened your seat belt.
RYou depress on the accelerator pedal.
iIf you have not fastened your seat belt,
the following conditions must be met in
order for the electronic parking brake to
release automatically:
RThe driver’s door is closed and you shift
the automatic transmission out of park
position P.
or
RThe driver’s door is closed and you drive
faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Engaging electronic parking brake
manually
XPress handle :.
The red indicator lamp F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
iYou can engage the electronic parking
brake even when the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Engaging electronic parking brake
automatically
When at least one of the following conditions
is met, the electronic parking brake engages
automatically when the HOLD function
(Y page 342) or DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 330) has brought your vehicle to a
standstill.RThe engine is turned off.
RThe driver’s door is opened and the seat
belt is not inserted in the seat belt buckle.
RThe hood lock is released.
RThe trunk lid is opened while the automatic
transmission is in reverse gear R.
RThe vehicle is stationary for an extended
period of time.
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Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is located on
the left side in the instrument cluster
( Y page 32).GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-
and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248‡ (120†), i.e close to the
red zone of the temperature gauge.
! Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display.
The engine should not be operated with a
coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†),
i.e. in the red zone of the coolant
temperature gauge. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer
( Y page 32) denotes excessive engine speed.
! Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds,
as it may result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within
the red marking.
Outside temperature indicator
The outside temperature indicator is on the
bottom left-hand side of the instrument
cluster ( Y page 32).GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge is on the left-hand side of the
instrument cluster (Y page 32). Once the fuel
level has fallen below the reserve mark, the
yellow segment indicator for the fuel reserve
comes on.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R DISTRONIC PLUS
R Hill-start assist system
R HOLD function
R AIRMATIC
R Active Body Control (ABC)
R All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
R Parktronic system with Parking Guidance
R Rear view camera
R Night View Assist Plus
R ATTENTION ASSIST
R Blind Spot Assist
R Lane Keeping Assist
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:Preceding vehicle, if detected;Actual distance to the preceding vehicle=Preset distance threshold to the
preceding vehicle
?Your vehicle
DISTRONIC PLUS lever
:Setting current or higher speed;Setting current or lower speed=Deactivating the DISTRONIC PLUS?Activating the DISTRONIC PLUS or
resuming to the last set speed
ASetting following distance
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS
GWarning!
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on,
the vehicle can be braked. You should
therefore switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS if
the vehicle must be towed.
You can activate the DISTRONIC PLUS when
the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
It is also possible to activate the DISTRONIC
PLUS when the vehicle speed is below
20 mph (30 km/h) and the DISTRONIC PLUS
has detected a preceding vehicle.
If the DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the set
speed is indicated with marker ;
(Y page 333) in the speedometer dial.
The maximum vehicle speed you can set is
120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h).
If the DISTRONIC PLUS is not activated after
the DISTRONIC PLUS lever is pulled in
direction of arrow ? (Y page 335), you will
see the message: DISTRONIC PLUS ---
mph (Canada: DISTRONIC PLUS --- kmh) in
the multifunction display.
In the following cases you cannot activate the
DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rwithin 2 minutes after driving off, following
an engine start
Rif the vehicle is secured with the electronic
parking brake
Rif the ESC is switched off or has switched
off due to a malfunction
Rwhen the automatic transmission is in park
position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
Rif the hood is open
Rif the driver’s door is open and the driver
has not fastened his or her seat belt
Rif the front passenger or a rear passenger
door is open
Rif the radar sensors are switched off
(Y page 236)
Switching on while driving
You can switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS when
the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
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StoppingGWarning!
The braking effect of the DISTRONIC PLUS is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
R the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched off using
the DISTRONIC PLUS lever
R you accelerate
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system or the power
supply is malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery
failure
R the electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
R the battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the
DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on!
The DISTRONIC PLUS must never be operated
or switched off by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is not a substitute for
the electronic parking brake. It must not be
used to secure the vehicle when parking.
When you get out of the vehicle or switch off
the engine, deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS
and secure the vehicle from rolling away by
engaging the electronic parking brake.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is stopping, the vehicle
brakes until it also stops. Once the vehicle is
at a standstill, it remains stationary, without
depressing the brake pedal.
After a short while, the vehicle is secured in
place by the electronic parking brake so that
the operating brake can be relieved of load.
Depending on the following distance set
using the distance setting switch on the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever ( Y page 339), the
vehicle will stop adequate away from the
preceding vehicle.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and
the vehicle is at a standstill, the automatic
transmission shifts into park position P
automatically when
R opening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
R turning off the engine
R opening the hood
R a system malfunction occurs
R the on-board voltage is insufficient
The DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Setting the current speedXAccelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.XBriefly lift the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow : or depress in
direction of arrow ; (Y page 335).
The current speed is set.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
i If you do not take your foot off of the
accelerator pedal and continue to
accelerate past the set speed, the following
message will appear in the multifunction
display:
DISTRONIC PLUS Override
The distance to a slower moving vehicle in
front of you will not be set. Your vehicle
speed will then be determined only by the
accelerator pedal position.
Changing the set speed
GWarning!
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
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Ryou depress the brake pedal fully again
until the message HOLD in the multifunction
display disappears
Ryou engage the electronic parking brake
Ryou activate the DISTRONIC PLUS
iAfter a while, the vehicle will be secured
by the electronic parking brake to relieve
the service brake.
GWarning!
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal
Rthe HOLD function or the power supply is
malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery failure
Rthe electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
Rthe battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the HOLD
function is activated!
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
electronic parking brake. It must not be used
to secure the vehicle when parking.
Deactivate the HOLD function when leaving
or parking the vehicle. Use the electronic
parking brake to secure the vehicle.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
automatic transmission shifts into park
position P automatically when
Ropening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
Rturning off the engine
Ropening the hood
Ra system malfunction occurs
Rthe on-board voltage is insufficient
The HOLD function is deactivated.
AIRMATIC
Introduction
The AIRMATIC lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and
suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(Y page 343) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 344).
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is
controlled electronically and operates
continuously. It adjusts the damping
characteristics to the current operating and
driving conditions. The damping is adjusted
individually for each wheel. Driving safety and
tire comfort are increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour personal settings
The selected setting remains stored in
memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
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Reprogramming a single signal
transmitter button
To program a device using a signal
transmitter button previously trained, follow
these steps:
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress and hold the desired signal
transmitter button ( ;, = or ?). Do not
release the button.
Indicator lamp : will begin to flash after
20 seconds.XWithout releasing the signal transmitter
button, proceed with programming starting
with step 3.
Operation of integrated remote control
XSwitch on the ignition.XSelect and press the appropriate
integrated signal transmitter button ( ;,
= or ?) to activate the remote controlled
device.
The integrated remote control transmitter
continues to send the signal as long as the
button is pressed – up to 20 seconds.
Erasing the integrated remote control
memory
i If you sell your vehicle, erase the codes of
all three channels.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSimultaneously press and hold outer signal
transmitter buttons ; and ?, for
approximately 20 seconds, until indicator
lamp : flashes rapidly. Do not hold for
longer than 30 seconds.
The codes of all three channels are erased.Programming tips
If you are having difficulty programming the
integrated remote control, here are some
helpful tips:
R Check the frequency of hand-held remote
control A (typically located on the reverse
side of the remote). The integrated remote
control is compatible with radio-frequency
devices operating between 280-390 MHz.
R Put a new battery in hand-held remote
control A. This will increase the likelihood
of the hand-held remote control sending a
stronger and more accurate signal to the
integrated remote control.
R While performing step 3, hold hand-held
remote control A at different lengths and
angles from the signal transmitter button
( ; , = or ?) you are programming.
Attempt varying angles at the distance of 2
to 12 inches (5 to 30 cm) away or the same
angle at varying distances.
R If another hand-held remote control is
available for the same device, try the
programming steps again using that other
hand-held remote control. Make sure new
batteries are in the hand-held remote
control before beginning the procedure.
R Straighten the antenna wire from the
garage door opener assembly. This may
help improve transmitting and/or receiving
signals.
i Certain types of garage door openers are
incompatible with the integrated remote
control. If you should experience further
difficulties with programming the
integrated remote control, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, or call
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (USA only) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372),
or the HomeLink ®
Hotline (USA only) at
1-800-355-3515, or the Customer Service
(Canada only) at 1-800-387-0100.
398Useful featuresControls in detail
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RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 409)
RBrake fluid (Y page 409)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
Opening
GWarning!
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the engine
is overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary, call
the fire department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever :.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
404Engine compartmentOperation
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