checking oil MERCEDES-BENZ S55AMG 2002 W220 Owner's Manual

4 Contents
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................302
On-board diagnostic
system ..........................................302
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................302
Brake warning lamp ..................304
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................305
Fuel reserve warning .................305
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................306
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............307
Distronic (DTR) –
warning lamp ..............................307
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................308
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the
center console ...........................308
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....308Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 309
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................. 310
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ........... 311
ENTRANCE POSITION ...............312
BRAKE ASSIST ............................312
BRAKE LINING WEAR ............... 313
BRAKE FLUID ............................. 313
PARKING BRAKE ........................ 314
TRUNK OPEN .............................. 314
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ...................................... 315
COOLANT
(coolant level) .............................. 316
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................ 317
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 318
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 320
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
(ABC) ........................................... 320
TIRE PRESSURE ........................ 322
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 324CRUISE CONTROL .....................325
KEY ...............................................325
DOOR ...........................................326
HOOD ...........................................326
TELE AID .....................................327
CHIP-CARD
(KEYLESS-GO) ............................328
SELECTOR LEVER ......................329
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......329
WASHER FLUID .........................330
AIR SPRING (AirMatic) ............. 331
DISTRONIC (DTR) ......................332
AIR CLEANER .............................333
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................336
Stowing things in the vehicle ......336
Fuses ................................................337
Hood .................................................339
Checking engine oil level .............342
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................343
Active body control (ABC)
fluid level ...................................343

157 Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index One of the following messages will subsequently appear
on the indicator:
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – O.K.”
No oil needs to be added.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.0 QUART”
(Canada: 1.0 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.5 QUART”
(Canada: 1.5 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 2.0 QUART”
(Canada: 2.0 L)
See “Checking engine oil level”, on page 342 for
instructions on adding engine oil.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – REDUCE OIL LEVEL”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could
cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The “MEASURING NOT POSSIBLE!” message will be
displayed if a proper oil level check cannot be
performed. The engine oil level check can be repeated
after a short while.S 430, S 500 and S 55 AMG only:
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick, if it
cannot be completed via the multifunction display.
See “Checking engine oil level”, page 342.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes:
See malfunction and warning messages on page 309
and page 324 if an engine oil level indicator appears in
the multifunction display when the engine is running.
The engine oil level cannot be checked while the engine
is running. The “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – NOT WHEN
ENGINE ON” message will appear.
Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made
after the break-in period. During the break-in period,
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal.
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in
increased consumption.

297 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Fuel tank capacity approximately 23.2 US gal (88.0 l).
This includes approximately 2.9 US gal (11.0 l) reserve.
Use premium unleaded gasoline:
S430, S500, S55AMG
Posted Octane Index 91 (Average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
S600:
Posted Octane Index 93 (Average of 98 RON/88 MON).Engine oil
Checking oil level, see instructions on pages 156
and 342.
S 430, S 500 and S 55 AMG only:
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking
level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service
Products sheet.
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water
quality). For further information refer to page 344.

299 Check regularly and before a long trip
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Check regularly and before a long trip 1Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system
For refilling reservoir see page 345.
2Coolant level,
see “Adding coolant” on page 344
3Engine oil level,
see “Engine oil level checking” on page 156 and 342
4Brake fluid,
see “Brake fluid” on page 404
Opening hood, see page 339.
Ve h i c l e l i g h t i n g : Check function and cleanliness. For
replacement of light bulbs, see “Exterior lamps” on
page 364.
Exterior lamp switch, see page 158.

335 Contents – Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................336
Stowing things in the vehicle ......336
Fuses ................................................337
Hood .................................................339
Checking engine oil level .............342
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................343
Active body control (ABC)
fluid level ...................................343
Coolant level ...................................344
Adding coolant ...........................344
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................345
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........345Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ............... 346
Vehicle jack .................................... 347
Wheels ............................................ 348
Tire Replacement ....................... 348
Rotating wheels ......................... 349
Spare wheel .................................... 349
Changing wheels ........................... 351
Tire inflation pressure ................. 356
Battery ............................................. 357
Jump starting ................................. 359
Towing the vehicle ........................ 361
Exterior lamps ............................... 364
Headlamp assembly .................. 365
Taillamp assemblies .................. 368Changing batteries in
the electronic key ..................... 371
Synchronizing
remote control ............................373
Changing batteries in the
KEYLESS-GO-card ..................... 374
Emergency engine
shut-down .................................. 376
Fuel filler flap,
manual release .......................... 376
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ...................377
Replacing wiper blades .................378
Roof rack .........................................380

342 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Checking engine oil level
S 500
1Dipstick
Model S 600:
The dipstick is omitted. Engine oil level can be
checked via the engine oil level indicator, see
page 156.
2Oil filler capS 600
Model S 430, S 500 and S 55 AMG
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check engine oil level approximately 5 minutes after
stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the
oil pan.
1
P18.40-0287-262
P18.40-2066-26
2

343 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index The engine oil level can be checked by either the oil
dipstick or via the multifunction display in the
instrument cluster, see page 156.
Wipe the oil dipstick clean prior to checking the engine
oil level. Fully insert dipstick in tube, and remove after
three seconds to obtain accurate reading.
The oil level must be between the lower
mark (min) and the upper mark (max)
on the oil dipstick.
Unscrew the oil filler cap and add oil carefully if you
need to top up the oil.
S 430, S 500 and S 55 AMG:
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking
level is approximately 2.0 US qt (2.0 l).
S 600:
Follow the message appearing on the engine oil level
indicator display (page 156) as to quantity to be added.
Re-install oil filler cap.
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained
or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and
catalytic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.See Malfunction and warning messages on page 309 if
an engine oil level display appears on the multifunction
indicator when the engine is running.
Note:
See page 156 for engine oil level indicator.
Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid leaks or gear shifting malfunctions,
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission fluid level.
Active body control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required.
If you notice fluid leaks or malfunctions, have your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
ABC-system.

412 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Center console lighting ................................................. 192
Central locking switch .................................................... 48
Central locking system ................................................... 33
Automatic central locking ......................................... 50
Choosing global or selective mode .....................35, 41
Electronic key .............................................................. 29
KEYLESS-GO-card ....................................................... 30
Locking and unlocking .............................................. 35
Locking and unlocking
with KEYLESS-GO-card ......................................... 38
Mechanical keys .......................................................... 45
Remote control ..................................................... 28, 33
Simultaneous use of electronic key
and KEYLESS-GO-card .......................................... 42
Summer opening/convenience feature ................... 43
Changing batteries in the KEYLESS-GO-card ........... 374
Changing wheels ........................................................... 351
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp ............ 302
Check regularly and before a long trip ......................299
Checking engine oil level
Via engine oil level indicator .................................. 156
Via oil dipstick ...........................................................342
Child restraint ............................................. 81, 88, 99, 101
Child seat
See Infant and child restraint systems .................... 99CHIP-CARD (KEYLESS-GO) -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 328
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ................................ 382
COMAND, radio and telephone ................................... 216
Combination switch ....................................................... 162
Consumer information ................................................. 408
Control and operation of radio transmitters .............. 216
COOLANT (coolant level) -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 316
COOLANT (coolant temperature) -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 317
Coolant level
Adding ........................................................................ 344
Checking .................................................................... 344
Coolant temperature gauge .......................................... 115
Coolants .......................................................................... 406
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity ........................ 407
Courtesy lighting ........................................................... 192
Cruise control ................................................................ 258
CRUISE CONTROL -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 325
Cup holder
In front seat armrest ................................................ 202
In rear seat armrest ................................................. 203

414 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Emergency operation of sliding/pop-up roof ............ 377
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) ......................... 90
SRS indicator lamp ................................................... 305
Emergency trunk lid release button ............................. 59
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ................... 50
Emission control ............................................................229
Emission control label .................................................. 394
Engine compartment .....................................................339
Engine malfunction
CHECK ENGINE malfunction
indicator lamp ......................................................302
Engine oil additives ....................................................... 404
Engine oil consumption ................................................ 157
Engine oil level
Checking ........................................................... 156, 342
Warning ...................................................................... 324
ENGINE OIL LEVEL -
malfunction and warning messages ......................324
Engine oil level indicator .............................................. 156
Engine oils ...................................................................... 404
Entrance lamps, exit lamps .......................................... 192
ENTRY POSITION -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 312
ESP - malfunction and warning messages ................ 315
ESP (Electronic stability program) .............................. 280
ESP control switch ....................................................282Malfunction and warning messages ...................... 315
Synchronizing ........................................................... 281
Warning lamp ........................................................... 307
ETR (Emergency tensioning retractor) .........................90
SRS indicator lamp .................................................. 305
Express opening and closing
See Power windows ................................................... 185
Exterior lamp – malfunction
and warning messages ............................................. 318
Exterior lamp switch ..................................................... 158
Daytime running lamp mode .................................. 160
Headlamp cleaning system ...................................... 161
Exterior lamps ............................................................... 364
Fog lamps .......................................................... 367, 368
Headlamp assembly ................................................. 365
High mounted stop lamp ......................................... 369
License plate lamps ................................................. 369
Low and high beam .................................................. 366
Parking lamps ................................................... 367, 368
Replacing bulbs ........................................................ 364
Side marker lamps ................................................... 368
Standby bulb function ............................................. 370
Standing lamps ................................................. 367, 368
Stop lamp ................................................................... 369
Taillamp assemblies ................................................ 368
Turn signal lamps ...................................366, 368, 369