maintenance MERCEDES-BENZ S63AMG 2008 W221 Owner's Guide

728 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. For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Engine oil additives
Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Any au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or chang-
ing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer
than those called for by the Maintenance System
will result in engine or emission control system
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System recommen-
dations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to do
so will result in engine or emission control sys-
tem damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
!Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or mal-
functions resulting from blending oil additives
are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the system
will occur.
Warning!G
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
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
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Mainte-
nance Booklet for replacement interval.

731 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for re-
placement 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 are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately –35°F
[–37°C]).If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approximately –49°F [–45°C]), the
engine temperature will increase due to
the lower heat transfer capability of the so-
lution. 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.

739 Index
Cruise control 419
Activating 420
Canceling 421
Driving downhill 421
Driving uphill 421
Message in display 614
Setting current speed 420
Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function) 423
Cup holder
In front seat armrest 498
In rear seat armrest 498
Curb weight 576
D
Date
Setting (COMAND) 236
Daytime running lamp mode 373
Setting 281
Deceleration
With DISTRONIC Plus* 428
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting 472
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (COMAND) 242
Interior lighting (COMAND) 248Department of Transportation see DOT
Destination entry (COMAND) 172
Destination memory (COMAND) 217
Difficulties
While driving 393
While starting 391
Digital speedometer 269
Additional speedometer 282
Dimensions, Vehicle 723
Direction of rotation, Tires 553
Displays
Additional speedometer 282
Digital speedometer 269
DISTRONIC Plus* 427
Maintenance service indicator 582
Multifunction display 264
Vehicle status message see
Multifunction display messages
Distance
Decreasing in DISTRONIC Plus* 437
Increasing in DISTRONIC Plus* 437
Setting in DISTRONIC Plus* 436
Distance to Empty (Range) 269
Distance warning lamp* 29, 604DISTRONIC Plus* 424
Activated 429
Activating 430
Calling up settings 428
Cleaning system sensor 589
Deactivated 429
Deactivating 435
Deceleration 428
Decreasing distance 437
Decreasing time interval 436
Displays in the multifunction
display 427
Distance warning lamp 29, 604
Driving hints 437
Increasing distance 437
Increasing time interval 436
Intermittent signal tone 427
Lever 430
Menu 428
Messages in display 615
Sensor cover 589
Setting a higher speed 433
Setting a slower speed 434
Setting following distance 436

746 Index
ESP®29, 599, 604
Front passenger front air bag off 50,
610
Fuel reserve 605
High beam headlamp 29
Maintenance service indicator 582
Park Assist* 29
Parktronic* 29
Seat belt telltale 29, 605
SRS 29, 607
TPMS* malfunction telltale 29, 608
Turn signals 29
Language (COMAND) 238
LATCH-type child seat anchors see
Children in the vehicle
Lever
For automatic transmission
(gear selector lever) 399
For cruise control 420
For DISTRONIC Plus* 430
License plate lamps
Messages in display 655
Replacing bulbs 679
Light alloy wheels, Cleaning 593Light sensor
Message in display 654
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting 371
Automatic headlamp mode 372
COMAND display illumination 87
Corner-illuminating lamps 376
Courtesy lighting 380
Daytime running lamp mode 373
Door entry lamps 379
High beam flasher 375
Instrument cluster illumination 417,
463
Interior 378
Manual headlamp mode 372
Trunk 380
Limp-home mode 416
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting (COMAND) 243
Lock button
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 338,
388
Key, SmartKey 332
Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 335Locking 394
Automatic central locking
(COMAND) 245
Vehicle in an emergency 672
Locking knob 341
Loss of
Key, Mechanical 340
Key, SmartKey 340
Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 340
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 711
Low beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs 679
Lowering
Vehicle 690
Lubricants 724
Lumbar support (COMAND) 260

747 Index
M
Maintenance 15, 582
Automatic Call (Tele Aid) 518
Calling up service indicator
display 583
Clearing service indicator
message 582
Maintenance System 582
Resetting service indicator 584
Service indicator message 582
Service term exceeded 583
Maintenance System 582
Manual headlamp mode 372
Manual shift program (AMG vehicles only)
Deactivating 415
MAXCOOL
Maximum cooling 474
Maximum load rating, Tires 577
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 559,
577
Maximum tire inflation pressure 573,
577
Maximum tire load rating 573
Memory function 365
Messages in display see
Multifunction display messagesMicrophone, Hands-free 33
Minispare wheel 670, 686, 721
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position 364
Adjusting 361
Auto-dimming for rear view
mirrors 363
Exterior rear view mirrors 361
Interior rear view mirror 361
Mobile phone see Telephone*
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety 19
MON 539, 726
MP3
Menu overview (COMAND) 119
Operation (COMAND) 120
Playback options (COMAND) 123
Selecting a folder (COMAND) 122
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 121
Selecting a track (COMAND) 122
MP3 (COMAND) 112
Multicontour rear seats* 356
Multicontour seats*, front
Adjusting (COMAND) 260
Multifunction display 264Multifunction display messages
ABC* 626
ABS 628
Airmatic 642
Batteries, vehicle 644
Brake fluid 630
Brake pads 632
Coolant 646
Coolant level 645
Cruise control 614
DISTRONIC Plus* 615
Doors 648
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) 631
Electronic parking brake 633
Engine oil 543, 659
ESP
®628, 639
Fog lamps 656
Front passenger front air bag 618
Fuel cap 649
Gear selector lever 617, 622, 624,
625, 667
Headlamps 653
Hood 649
Key, SmartKey 651
Key, SmartKey with

749 Index
OCS 47
Self-test 51
Odometer 268
Oil
Filler neck 546
Oil level see Engine oil
One-touch gearshifting 411
Operating safety 19
Voice Control* 284
Ornamental moldings, Cleaning 588
Outside temperature indicator 29, 418
Overdue maintenance service 583
Overhead control panel 33
Override switch 63P
Paintwork, Cleaning 586
Panic alarm
Audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps 65
Panic button 65
Panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel* 489
Opening/closing 490
Opening/closing in an
emergency 674
Synchronizing 492
Panorama roof with tilt/sliding panel*
Cleaning 593
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 496
Park Assist* 448
Cleaning system sensors 590
Messages in display 622
System sensors 590
Warning indicators 29, 451
Parking 394, 530
Parking and standing lamps
Replacing bulbs 679Parking lamps
Messages in display 656
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors 364
Parktronic system* 444
Parktronic*
Cleaning system sensors 589
Malfunctioning 448
System sensors 589
Warning indicators 29, 446
Parts service 710
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see
Front passenger front air bag off indica-
tor lamp
Passenger compartment 535
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
PCMCIA card
Ejecting (COMAND) 118
Loading (COMAND) 117
Pedals 527
Plastic parts, cleaning 593
POIs 196
Poly-V-belt drive 714
Layout 714
Potential problems associated with under-
inflated and overinflated tires 567

752 Index
S
S63AMG
Manual shift program mode 413
S65AMG
Manual shift program mode 413
Safety
Driving safety systems 66
Occupant 40
Reporting defects 21
Safety belts see Seat belts
Satellite radio*
Calling SIRIUS Service Center
(COMAND) 111
Channel update (COMAND) 111
Operation (COMAND) 105
Selecting channel (Instrument cluster
control system) 271
Selecting program category
(COMAND) 108
Showing program info
(COMAND) 111
Submenu overview (COMAND) 105
Tuning in channels
(COMAND) 108, 110
Voice Control* 310Seat belts 52
Children in the vehicle 57
Cleaning 594
Fastening 52, 368
Force limiter 55
Messages in display 662
Proper use of 53, 370
Safety guidelines 44
Telltale 29, 54, 605
Seating capacity 554
Seats 347
adjusting front passenger seat from
driver’s seat 350
Adjustment 347
Drive-dynamic multicontour* in the
front, Adjusting (COMAND) 262
Easy entry/exit feature 357
Folding back and placing upright rear
head restraints 354
Head restraints 353
Heating* 351
Lumbar support (COMAND) 260
Memory function 365
Multicontour* in the front, Adjusting
(COMAND) 260Operating via COMAND 259
Setting front passenger seat position
from rear 350
Ventilation* 352
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down hooks 500
Selector lever
Lock 389
Selector lever see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS 51
Tele Aid 511
Service and warranty information 14
Service intervals see Maintenance service
indicator
Service life, Tires 551
Service see Maintenance
Service system see Maintenance System
Service, Parts 710

754 Index
Steering wheel gearshift control
Automatic transmission 411
Stolen Vehicle Recovery services 518
Storage compartments 494
Cup holder 498
Front armrest 495
Parcel net 496
Rear armrest 496
Ruffled storage pockets 498
Storage compartment in front
armrest 495
Storage tray/telephone* compartment
in front armrest 495
Under the front seats 495
Storing tires 552
Summer opening feature 385
Sun visors 502
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sunshades
Extending or retracting rear window
sunshade (COMAND) 249
Extending/retracting rear window
sunshade 503
Opening or closing rear side window
sunshades 385Suspension tuning
Setting (ABC*) 442
Setting (Airmatic) 440
Symbols used in this operator’s
manual 18
System settings (COMAND)
Bluetooth
® settings 239
Display 235
Favorite button 238
Menu overview 235
Reset 241
Setting the system language 238
Time settings 235
Voice Control* settings
(COMAND) 237T
Tachometer 418
Overspeed range 418
Tail lamps
Cleaning lenses 589
Messages in display 657
Tar stains 586
Tele Aid 510
Automatic Maintenance Call 518
Call priority 516
Emergency calls 511
Hands-free microphone 33
Information 515
Information button 513
Initiating an emergency call
manually 513
Messages in display 664
Remote door lock 517
Remote door unlock 517
Roadside Assistance 514
Roadside Assistance button 513
SOS button 513
Stolen Vehicle Recovery
services 518
System self-check 511

755 Index
Telephone cradle
Changing 509
Telephone* 507
“911” emergency call
(COMAND) 135
Accepting/ending a call
(COMAND) 142
Answering/ending a call (Instrument
cluster control system) 279
Call lists (COMAND) 140
Changing mobile phone cradle 509
Compartment 495
Dialing (Instrument cluster control
system) 277
Entering the telephone number
(COMAND) 143
Hands-free microphone 33
Inserting in cradle 508
Installing a different mobile phone
cradle 510
Operation 276
Operation (COMAND) 132
Phone book (COMAND) 147
Phone book (Instrument cluster control
system) 277
PIN (COMAND) 136PIN2 (COMAND) 137
PUK / PUK2 (COMAND) 137
Redialing (COMAND) 143
Redialing (Instrument cluster control
system) 278
Removing from cradle 509
Single call connection
(COMAND) 145
Speed dialing (COMAND) 144
Submenu overview (COMAND) 138
Switching on/off (COMAND) 134
Transferring a call (COMAND) 146
Unlock code (COMAND) 137
Voice Control* 289
Temperature
Outside temperature indicator 29
Setting interior temperature
(COMAND) 252
Tires 559
Tie-down hooks, Trunk 500
Tightening torque, Wheel bolts 691
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Power tilt/sliding
sunroof
Time
Setting (COMAND) 235
TIN 578Tire and Loading Information
Placard 554
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tires 550
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)* 561
And Rims 718
And Wheels 550
Care and maintenance 551
Chains 581
Checking inflation pressure electroni-
cally with Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
(Advanced TPMS)* 561
Checking inflation pressure electroni-
cally with Run Flat Indicator
(Canada only) 565
Cleaning 552
Cold tire inflation pressure 576
Combination low tire pressure* mal-
function telltale 29, 608
Direction of rotation 553
Driving instructions 531
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure 559
Inflation pressure 558