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

Symbols
Trademarks:
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
R Dolby and MLP are registered trademarks
of Dolby Laboratories.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is a registered trademarks of
Daimler.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
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and iTunes ®
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Incorporated.
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The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.DisplayText in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 2

Our company and staff congratulate you on
the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a
demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and will provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of
many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To
help assure your driving pleasure, and also
the safety of you and your passengers, we ask
you to make a small investment of time:
R Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
R Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
R Please pay attention to the warnings and
cautions contained in this manual. They are
designed to help improve the safety of the
vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of
safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler Company2215847682 É2215847682>ËÍ
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Armrest, rear
Control panel ........................... 80, 293
Cup holder ..................................... 385
Storage compartment ....................383
Ashtrays ............................................. 387
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 430
Assistance menu ............................... 231
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................... 355
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 476
Switching on or off ......................... 232
Audio Aux ........................................... 186
Audio menu ........................................ 226
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ..... 295
Automatic central locking ................ 278
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 299
Automatic interior lighting control .. 304
Automatic shift program .................. 322
Automatic transmission ................... 317
Automatic shift program ................322
Gear range indicator ......................321
Gear ranges ................................... 321
Gear selector lever ........................317
Hill-start assist system ..................341
Kickdown ....................................... 321
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..325
Manual shift program ..................... 324
One-touch gearshifting ..................323
Program mode indicator ................322
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............322
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................324
Shifting procedure .........................319
Steering wheel gearshift control ....323
Transmission position indicator .....320
Transmission positions ..................320
AUX
Audio ............................................. 186
Media interface .............................. 200
Sockets .......................................... 187
Video ............................................. 186
Axle oils .............................................. 538B
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 430
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 64
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 64
Batteries, replacing
Headphone .................................... 502
Remote control (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) ..................502
Remote control (SPLITVIEW) ..........502
SmartKey ....................................... 502
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ........................277
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 512
Charging ........................................ 514
Jump starting ................................. 514
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 463, 482
Bead (tire) .......................................... 430
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Blind Spot Assist ............................... 359
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 460
Switching on or off ......................... 233
Bluetooth ®
interface ......................... 151
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake Assist System PLUS
see BAS PLUS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 409
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 472
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 443
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 466
Brakes ................................................ 435
High-performance brake system ....437
Warning lamp ................................. 490Index5221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 5

Upload/Download of Data ...............95
USB socket ...................................... 80
Vehicle settings ............................. 206
Video DVD ..................................... 191
Voice Control System ....................237
Combination switch .......................... 301
Controller (COMAND) .......................... 79
Control system .................................. 220
Multifunction display .....................222
Multifunction steering wheel .........221
Control system menus ...................... 222
AMG ............................................... 227
Assistance ..................................... 231
Audio ............................................. 226
Navi ............................................... 225
Service ........................................... 233
Settings ......................................... 234
Telephone ...................................... 230
Trip ................................................ 223
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............543
Capacities .............................. 538, 539
Checking level ............................... 408
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 480
Temperature gauge ........................ 327
Corner-illuminating lamps ................ 303
Cruise control .................................... 328
Activating ....................................... 328
Canceling ....................................... 329
Changing the set speed .................329
Last stored speed ..........................330
Lever .............................................. 328
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 458
Resume function ............................ 330
Setting current speed ....................329
Cup holders ........................................ 384
Curb weight ....................................... 430
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 24
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 25
Daytime running lamp mode ............ 299
Switching on or off ......................... 234
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) ..................... 371
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......370
Rear window .................................. 372
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 314
With starting .................................. 312
Digital speedometer
Additional speedometer ................. 235
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 422
Displays
COMAND display ............................. 78
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Maintenance service indicator .......439
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 452
Multifunction display .....................222
Symbol messages ..........................466
Text messages ............................... 454
Trip computer ................................ 223
Vehicle status message memory ...233
Display settings (COMAND) ................ 92
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 330
Cleaning system sensors ...............443
Displaying the distance graphic .....334
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 333
Distance warning lamp ..........333, 496
Driving ........................................... 336
Driving with .................................... 339
Lever .............................................. 335
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 459
Resume function ............................ 338
Sensor cover .................................. 443
Speed settings ............................... 337
Stopping ........................................ 337
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 61
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) . 275Index7221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 7

Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ......274
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening from inside ......................278
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......394
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........499
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 430
Drinking and driving ......................... 434
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats .. 219
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 438
Hydroplaning ................................. 437
Instructions ........................... 311, 434
In winter ........................................ 433
Problems ....................................... 314
Safety systems ................................ 63
Systems ......................................... 327
Through standing water .................437
With DISTRONIC PLUS ...................339
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 311
Driving off .................................. 313, 437
Driving safety systems ....................... 63
ABS .................................................. 63
Adaptive Brake ................................ 65
Adaptive Brake Lights ......................66
BAS .................................................. 64
BAS PLUS ........................................ 64
EBP .................................................. 66
ESC .................................................. 66
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 67
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 69
Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) .............345
AIRMATIC ...................................... 343
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 347
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................355
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 359
Cruise control ................................ 328
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 330
Hill-start assist system ..................341
HOLD function ............................... 342
Lane Keeping Assist ......................362
Night View Assist Plus ...................356
Parking Guidance ........................... 350Parktronic system ..........................347
Rear view camera .......................... 354
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 321
DVD, audio ......................................... 176
DVD, video ......................................... 191
E
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 66
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 388
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic parking brake .................. 315
Electronic Stability Control see ESC
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 450
Flat tire .......................................... 508
Hazard warning flasher ..................302
Roadside Assistance ................ 22, 391
Towing the vehicle .........................516
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 390
Telephone ...................................... 150
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 521
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 394
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......394
Trunk lid, emergency release .........282
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 438
Information label ............................ 525
System warranties ...........................21
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............402
Cleaning ......................................... 442
Compartment ................................ 404
Malfunction indicator lamp ............496
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 480
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Number .......................................... 525
Starting .......................................... 311
Turning off ..................................... 316
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 407
Additives ........................................ 540
Checking level ............................... 405
Consumption ................................. 405
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 483
Oil dipstick ..................................... 406
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 539
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ...... 66
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 67
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................... 467, 468, 473
Warning lamp ................................. 495
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 53
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 67
Express operation
Panorama roof ............................... 377
Power windows .............................. 307
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................373
Exterior lamp switch ......................... 298
Exterior rear view mirrors ................ 295
Fold-in function .............................. 296
Parking position ............................. 295
Power-folding ................................. 296
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 28
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 51
First aid kit ......................................... 450
Flat tire ............................................... 508
Lowering the vehicle ......................512
Mounting the spare wheel .............509
Preparing the vehicle .....................508
Spare wheel ........................... 508, 536
Floormats ........................................... 399
Fluids
ABC fluid ................................ 408, 538
Automatic transmission fluid .........538
Brake fluid ..................................... 538
Capacities ...................................... 537
Engine coolant ....................... 538, 539
Engine oil ....................................... 537
Power steering fluid .......................538
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 539
Fog lamps ........................................... 300
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 485, 487
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ...................................... 296
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 44
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 455
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ............................. 46, 498
Fuel ..................................................... 402
Additives ........................................ 541
Capacity, fuel tank .........................539
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................434
Fuel consumption statistics ...........223
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................403
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp .....496
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........541
Refueling ........................................ 402
Requirements ................................ 541
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 403
Fuel gauge ......................................... 327
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 537
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 539
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................403
Refueling ........................................ 402
Fuses .................................................. 519Index9221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 9

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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Inside door handle ...................... 38, 278
Instrument cluster ...................... 32, 326
Illumination .................................... 326
Lamps ............................................ 489
Multifunction display .....................222
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Emergency lighting ........................304
Front .............................................. 304
Front reading lamps .......................304
Rear ............................................... 304
Rear reading lamps ........................304
Interior rear view mirror ................... 294
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....295
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Intermittent wiping ........................... 306
Rain sensor .................................... 306
iPod ®
(media interface) .................... 200
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) see Children in the vehicle
J
Jack ..................................................... 451
Jump starting ..................................... 514
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ........................................... 277
Replacing ....................................... 278
Unlocking/locking manually ..........499
Valet locking .................................. 283
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ........................277
Checking batteries ......................... 277
Factory setting ...................... 275, 277
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO) ................................................ 277
Global locking (SmartKey) .............275
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO) ................................................ 277
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ..................................... 275
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO ...276
Locking/unlocking ........................274
Loss of ........................................... 277
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 478
Opening, trunk ............................... 279
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof or the
panorama roof ............................... 309
Opening and closing the windows . 309
Remote control .............................. 274
Replacing ....................................... 278
Replacing batteries ........................502
Restoring to factory setting ...275, 277
Selective setting ....................275, 277
Starter switch positions .................284
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions .................284
Keypad (COMAND) .............................. 79
Kickdown ........................................... 321
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 325
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 431
L
Labels
Certification ................................... 524
Emission control information .........525
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 418
Tire inflation pressure ....................412
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ......................298
Front .............................................. 505
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 485
Switching on/off ........................... 298
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 32, 490
Adaptive Highbeam Assist .............301
Brakes ........................................... 490
Distance warning lamp ..........333, 496
Engine malfunction ........................496
ESC .......................................... 32, 495
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O
Occupant Classification System see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)
Occupant distribution ....................... 431
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 41
Children and air bags .......................41
Children in the vehicle .....................56
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) ........................................... 60
Fastening the seat belts ................... 51
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 46, 498
Infant and child restraint systems .... 57
Introduction ..................................... 40
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) ..................................... 60
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
PRE-SAFE ®
....................................... 54
Seat belts .................................. 43, 49
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ................................................ 46
Self-test ........................................... 49
Odometer ........................................... 223
Oil, oil level see Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting ..................... 323
Operating safety .................................. 23
Ornamental moldings, cleaning ....... 443
Overhead control panel ...................... 37
P
Paintwork, cleaning .......................... 441
Paintwork code ................................. 525
Panic alarm .......................................... 62
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ...................................... 377
Cleaning ......................................... 445
Operation ....................................... 377
Roller sunblinds ............................. 375
Synchronizing ................................ 378
Parcel nets ......................................... 380
Parking ............................................... 314
Parking Guidance ..................350, 352
Parktronic system ..........................347
Parking Guidance .............................. 350
Canceling ....................................... 354
Detecting a parking space .............351
Parking .......................................... 352
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ..............295
Transmission position ....................320
Parktronic system
Cleaning system sensors ...............443
Malfunction .................................... 350
Minimum distance .........................348
Sensor range ................................. 348
Switching on/off ........................... 349
System sensors ............................. 348
Warning indicators .........................349
Parts service ...................................... 524
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 434
Phone see Telephone
Phone book ........................................ 159
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 446
Power assistance .............................. 435
Power closing assist for doors and
trunk lid .............................................. 283
Power outlets .................................... 388
Power seats see Seats
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Operation ....................................... 373
Synchronizing ................................ 375
Power washer .................................... 441
Power windows ................................. 307
Cleaning ......................................... 445
Operation ....................................... 307
Rear door window, override
switch .............................................. 61
Rear door window sunshades ........308
Synchronizing ................................ 308
Practical hints ................................... 45014Index221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 14

Radio ............................................. 252
Settings ........................................... 93
Telephone ...................................... 245
Troubleshooting ............................. 267
W
Warning sounds
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 333
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....52
Electronic parking brake ................469
Parking Guidance ........................... 352
Parktronic system ..........................350
Seat belt telltale ............................ 493
Warranty coverage ............................ 524
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 544
Washer fluid
Mixing ratio .................................... 544
Refilling .......................................... 409
Washing the vehicle .......................... 440
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 425
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 508
Removing ....................................... 511
Spare ............................................. 508
Tightening torque ........................... 512
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 532
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 410
Window curtain air bags ..................... 45
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 445
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 445
Defogging ...................................... 371
Infrared reflecting ..........................399
Washer fluid ................................... 544
Wipers ........................................... 305
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................507
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 433
Snow chains .................................. 433
Tires ............................................... 432
Winter tires ................................ 432, 532
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 447
Z
ZAGAT ®
Rating Service ..................... 128
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