maintenance MERCEDES-BENZ S55AMG 2006 W221 Owner's Guide

408 Practical hintsBattery
The battery is located on the right side of
the trunk under the battery cover.
1Battery cover 
Pull on the outer, right-hand side of
cover1 and remove it in the direction
of the arrow.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.Warning!
G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof battery only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
!Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running
or the SmartKey is in the starter switch.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be se-
verely damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for main-
tenance intervals or contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.Warning!
G
With a disconnected battery

you will no longer be able to turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch and
pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button (
page 35) on the gear selector
lever will have no effect


the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP

437 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet, or
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles), or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles) will result in engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Please follow Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles)
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.Warning!
G
Under extremely strenuous operating condi-
tions, this moisture content can lead to the
formation of bubbles in the system, thus re-
ducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
every two years, preferably in the spring.

440 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.The coolant solution must be used
year-round to provide the necessary corro-
sion protection and increase boil-over pro-
tection. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
replacement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see
Factory Approved Service Products pam-
phlet) are used to renew the coolant con-
centration or bring it back up to the proper
level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze [equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately - 22°F
(-30°C)]. If you use a solution that is more
than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze [freeze
protection to approximately - 49°F
(-45°C)], the engine temperature will in-
crease due to the lower heat transfer capa-bility of the solution. Therefore, do not use
more than this amount of anticorrosion/
antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of alumi-
num parts. The use of aluminum compo-
nents in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be specifical-
ly formulated to protect the aluminum
parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a signifi-
cantly shortened service life.)
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0 anticorrosion/
antifreeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.

445 Technical terms
Distronic*
A driving convenience cruise control
system which helps the driver maintain
a pre-selected speed:


If there is no vehicle directly ahead,
the system operates in the same
way as conventional ->cruise con-
trol.


If a slower moving vehicle is ahead,
Distronic will reduce your vehicle
speed to the extent permitted by re-
duced throttle and up to 20% brak-
ing power to maintain the preset
minimum following distance.
DOT
(Department o
f Transportation)
(
page 323)
Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and stamped on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine pro-
duced.Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction (vis-
cosity) of the oil at different tempera-
tures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tol-
erate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
®(Electronic S
tability P
rogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem’s threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRSFSS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates
engine temperature, oil level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last
maintenance service, and calls for the
next maintenance service accordingly.
GAWR
(G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
(
page 323)
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.

446 Technical termsGPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs DVD digital maps for
navigation.
GVW
(G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
(
page 323)
GVWR
(Gross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
(
page 324)
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.
KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a SmartKey.Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Kilopascal (kPa)
(
page 324)
Line of fall
The direct line that an object moves
downhill when influenced by the force
of gravity alone.
Locking knob
Knob on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the locking knob down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Maintenance
System in your vehicle tracks distance
driven and the time elapsed since your
last maintenance service, and calls for
the next maintenance service accord-
ingly.
Maximum load rating
(
page 324)
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(page 324)
Maximum tire inflation pressure
(page 324)
Memory function
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and exterior mirror posi-
tions for each SmartKey or SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO*.

454 IndexBulbs, replacing 394
Additional turn signals 395
Backup lamps 395
Brake lamps 395
Fog lamps 395
Front lamps 395
High beam 395
High mounted brake lamp 395
License plate lamps 395, 400
Low beam 395
Parking and standing lamps 395
Parking lamps 395, 399
Rear fog lamp 395, 400
Rear fog lamps 399
Side marker lamps 395, 399
Standing lamps 395, 399
Tail lamp assemblies 395
Tail lamp unit 400
Turn signal lamps 395
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 444
Call priority
Tele Aid 260Calling up
Distronic* settings 156
Maintenance service indicator 330
Range (distance to empty) 158
CAN system 444
Canceling
Cruise control 216
Cargo tie-down hooks 240
Catalytic converter 282
CD changer* 151
CD mode 151
CD operation
Selecting tracks 150
Center console 27
Air bag off indicator lamp 348
Front passenger front air bag off indica-
tor lamp 348
Lighter 250
Centigrade (°C)
Setting temperature units 163
Central locking
Automatic 112
From inside 113
Switch 113Switching on/off (control
system) 168
Unlocking from inside 113
Change of address or ownership 12
Changing
CDs 151
SmartKey setting 169
Vehicle level 231, 234
Charcoal filter 200
Activating 200
Deactivating 200
Charging
Vehicle battery 409
Checking
Brake fluid 285
Coolant level 294
Oil level 286, 288
Oil level via control system 289
Tire inflate pressure 286
Vehicle lighting 286
Child safety 71
Air bags 62
Infant and child restraint systems 71
LATCH child seat anchors 75
Cigarette lighter 250

463 Index
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 250
Lighting 131
Automatic headlamp mode 132
Combination switch 135
Courtesy lighting 139
Daytime running lamp mode 133
Door entry lamps 139
Exterior lamp switch 131
Front fog lamps 134
High beam flasher 135
High beams 135
Instrument cluster illumination 140
Interior 137
Locator lighting 133
Low beam 131
Manual headlamp mode 132
Night security illumination 133
Parking lamps 131
Rear fog lamp 134
Settings (control system) 164
Trunk 138, 139
Limiting opening height of trunk lid* 105
Limiting the gear range 178Limp Home Mode 185
Line of fall 446
Loading 239
Cargo tie-down hooks 240
Instructions 240
Roof rack 239
Loading terminology 323
Loading the vehicle 300
Locator lighting 133
Setting 166
Lock button 446
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 58
SmartKey 92
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 96
Locking 55, 58, 92
Fuel filler flap 284
Global (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 99
Global, SmartKey 94
Glove box 242
Vehicle in an emergency 389
Vehicle with KEYLESS-GO* 101
with the KEYLESS-GO* 58with the SmartKey 58
Locking knob 446
Loss of SmartKey 96
Loss of Smartkey with
KEYLESS-GO* 102
Low beam headlamps
Messages in display 370, 371
Replacing bulbs 395
Lowering
Vehicle 407
Lumbar support adjustment 122
M
Main Dimensions 433
Maintenance 12, 329
Maintenance service
Calling up the maintenance service
indicator 330
Overdue 330
Maintenance service indicator
Calling up 330
Clearing 330
Resetting 331

464 IndexMaintenance System (U.S. vehicles) 446
Manual headlamp mode 132
Manual operations
Closing the power tilt/sliding
sunroof 391
Fuel filler flap 390
Interior lighting control 137
Locking the vehicle 389
Opening the power tilt/sliding
sunroof 391
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 391
Unlocking the driver’s door 388
Manual shift program S 55 AMG and
S 65 AMG
Activating 184
Automatic transmission 183
Deactivating 185
Massage function 123
MAXCOOL
Maximum cooling 197
Maximum inflation pressure 324Maximum load rating 324
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 324
Mechanical key 388
Memory function 128, 446
Recalling positions from
memory 129
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing positions 130
Storing key dependent settings 129
Menus 145
AUDIO 148
Distronic* 156, 221
In control system 146, 147
NAVI 155
Settings menu 160
Standard display 148
Submenus 145
TEL* 153
Trip computer 157
Vehicle status message memory 159Microphone
Hands-free microphone 29
Miles/kilometers in speedometer
Setting 163
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position 187
Adjusting 41
Auto-dimming for rear view
mirror 186
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 170
Exterior rear view mirrors 41
Interior rear view mirror 41
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing position 130
MON 285
MON (Motor Octane Number) 447
MP3-CD operation
Selecting tracks 150

466 IndexOne-touch gearshifting 180
Canceling gear range limit 180
Downshifting 180
Upshifting 180
Opening
Ashtray 249
Cup holder 249
Doors from the inside 102
Fuel filler flap 284
Fuel filler flap manually 390
Glove box 243
Hood 287
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 212
Power windows 208
Side windows 209
Storage compartment in the center
console 243
Storage compartments in the
armrest 245
Storage compartments in the center
console 244, 245
Trunk 103
Trunk lid from the inside 104
Trunk with SmartKey 95
Opening in an emergency
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 391Operating
COMAND* see separate operating in-
structions
Garage door opener 268
Integrated remote control 268
Navigation system 155
Radio 149
Radio transmitters 281
Telephone* 153
Vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 13
Operating safety 16
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings 334
Cleaning 334
Outside temperature indicator 142
Overdue maintenance service 330
Overhead control panel 29
Garage door opener 29
Reading lamp 29
Rear view mirror 29
Tele Aid button 29
Override switch see Blocking of rear win-
dow operation 77
Overspeed range 447P
Paintwork
Cleaning 333
Panic alarm 78
Panic button on SmartKey 78
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 247
Parcel net in trunk 247
Parking 55, 276
Parking and standing lamps
Replacing bulbs 395
Parking assist
Parktronic system* 235
Parking brake 48, 56
Engaging 56
Message in display 360
Releasing 48
Warning sound 49
Parking lamps
Replacing bulbs 395, 399
Switching on 131

469 Index
Reinstalling vehicle battery 409
Remote control
SmartKey 92
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 96
Remote controls
Integrated 265
Remote door unlock
With Tele Aid 261
Removing
Vehicle battery 409
Wheel 406
Wiper blades 401
Replacing
Backup lamp bulbs 399
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 393
Brake fluid 437
Brake lamp bulbs 399
Bulbs 394
Front lamp bulbs 397
License plate lamp bulbs 400
Parking lamp bulbs 399
Rear fog lamp bulbs 399, 400
Rear lamp bulbs 395, 399
Rear turn signal bulbs 399
Side marker lamp bulbs 399Standing lamp bulbs 399
Wiper blades 401
Reporting
Safety defects 18
Reset button in the instrument
cluster 160
Resetting
All functions (control system) 160
All functions of a submenu 161
Fuel consumption 158
Maintenance service indicator 331
Trip odometer 141
Residual heat utilization 202, 207, 448
Residual ventilation 202, 207
REST (Residual engine heat
utilization) 448
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems 71, 74
Rim 324
Rims and Tires 426
Roadside assistance 12
Tele Aid 257
Rolling code programming 266
RON (Research Octane Number) 285,
448
Roof rack 239Rubber parts
Cleaning 338
S
Safety
Occupant 60
Safety belts see Seat belts 43
Safety defects
Reporting 18
Safety systems
Driving 79
Screwdriver (vehicle tool kit) 385
Seat belt force limiter 69
Seat belts 67
Cleaning 337
Fastening 43
Proper use of 45, 68
Safety guidelines 64
Telltale 345
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 123
Seat for and aft adjustment 118
Seat heater
Switching off 125
Switching on 125
Seat height 118