wheel MERCEDES-BENZ S65AMG 2008 W221 Owner's Manual

Contents
Introduction....................................... 13
Product information ............................. 13
Operator’s Manual ............................... 14
Service and warranty information .. 14
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 15
Maintenance .................................. 15
Roadside Assistance ...................... 16
Change of address or ownership.... 16
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada............................... 16
Where to find it .................................... 17
Symbols ............................................... 18
Operating safety .................................. 19
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 19
Problems with your vehicle .................. 20
Reporting safety defects...................... 21
Reporting safety defects ................ 21
Vehicle data recording ......................... 22
Information regarding electronic
recording devices ........................... 22At a glance.......................................... 23
Exterior view ......................................... 24
Cockpit ................................................. 26
Instrument cluster ................................ 28
Control systems ................................... 30
Center console ..................................... 32
Upper part ...................................... 32
Overhead control panel ........................ 33
Driver’s door control panel ................... 34
Rear door control panel ........................ 35
Storage compartments ......................... 36
Rear passenger compartment .............. 38
Safety and Security............................ 39
Occupant safety ................................... 40
Air bags........................................... 42
Occupant Classification System ..... 47
Seat belts........................................ 52
Active head restraints ..................... 55
Preventive occupant safety
(PRE-SAFE
®).................................... 56
Children in the vehicle .................... 57Override switch for rear passenger
compartment .................................. 63
Panic alarm .......................................... 65
Activating........................................ 65
Deactivating.................................... 65
Driving safety systems ......................... 66
ABS ................................................. 66
Adaptive Brake ............................... 67
Adaptive Brake Lights
(S 600/S 65 AMG and USA only) ... 68
BAS ................................................. 68
BAS Plus* ....................................... 69
EBP ................................................. 71
ESP
®............................................... 71
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with the ESP
®..... 75
PRE-SAFE® Brake* (vehicles with
DISTRONIC Plus* only) ................... 76
Anti-theft systems ................................ 81
Immobilizer ..................................... 81
Anti-theft alarm system .................. 81
Canceling the alarm ........................ 82

Contents
COMAND automatic climate control.. 251
Setting temperature ..................... 252
Adjusting air distribution .............. 253
Adjusting air volume .................... 253
Central climate control menu via
COMAND ..................................... 254
Operating rear climate control*
from the front............................... 257
COMAND seats.................................. 259
Operating seats via COMAND ...... 259
Lumbar support............................ 260
Multicontour seats*, front............ 260
Drive-dynamic
multicontour seats*, front............ 262
Instrument cluster control system ..... 264
Multifunction display .................... 264
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 265
Menus .......................................... 266
Trip menu ..................................... 268
Navi menu .................................... 269
Audio menu .................................. 271
AMG menu ................................... 273
Telephone* menu......................... 276
Assistance* menu ........................ 279
Service menu ............................... 280
Settings menu .............................. 281Voice Control*.................................... 284
Operating safety ........................... 284
Voice Control* introduction ............... 285
Spelling ......................................... 286
Command types ............................ 286
Active System ............................... 286
Controls ........................................ 287
Symbols ........................................ 288
Voice Control* telephone ................... 289
Telephone operation ..................... 289
Telephone commands ................... 290
Voice Control* navigation .................. 296
Important notes ............................ 296
Navigation operation..................... 297
Navigation commands .................. 297
Dialog for entering a
complete address ......................... 298
Commands for entering parts of
an address .................................... 303
Voice Control* address book ............. 306
COMAND address book
overview ....................................... 306
Operation with address book not
open (global) ................................. 306Operation with address book
open (local) ................................... 306
Operating and using address book 306
Available commands with the
address book not open ................. 307
Available commands with the
address book open ....................... 308
Voice Control* radio .......................... 309
Radio operation ............................ 309
Radio commands .......................... 309
Voice Control* CD/
DVD changer/MP3............................. 313
Operation...................................... 313
Commands ................................... 313
Voice Control* command list ............. 315
Command list ............................... 315
Voice Control* troubleshooting.......... 327
Help function ................................ 327
Help commands............................ 327
Help window ................................. 327
Entering digits and spelling........... 327
What to do if ... ............................. 328
Voice Control* individualization ......... 330

Contents
Controls in detail............................. 331
Locking and unlocking ....................... 332
SmartKey ..................................... 332
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*....... 335
Checking batteries in the
SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*............................... 340
Loss of the SmartKey or
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*....... 340
Opening doors from the inside ..... 341
Power closing assist for doors
and trunk lid ................................. 342
Automatic central locking ............ 342
Locking and unlocking from
the inside ..................................... 343
Starter switch positions ..................... 344
SmartKey ..................................... 344
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*....... 345
Seats.................................................. 347
Seat adjustment ........................... 347
Seat heating* ............................... 351
Seat ventilation* .......................... 352
Head restraints............................. 353
Multicontour seats*, rear ............. 356
Easy-entry/exit feature ................ 357Steering wheel ................................... 359
Steering wheel adjustment .......... 359
Heated steering wheel* ............... 360
Mirrors ............................................... 361
Interior rear view mirror ............... 361
Exterior rear view mirrors............. 361
Power folding exterior
rear view mirrors .......................... 362
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ... 363
Activating exterior rear view
mirror parking position................. 364
Memory function ............................... 365
Storing positions into memory ..... 366
Recalling positions from memory . 366
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position ........................... 367
Fastening the seat belts .................... 368
Proper use of seat belts ............... 370
Seat belt height adjustment ......... 370
Lighting.............................................. 371
Exterior lamp switch..................... 371
Switching on high beams ............. 375
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 375
Corner-illuminating lamps ............ 376
Hazard warning flasher ................ 377
Interior lighting............................. 378Door entry lamps ......................... 379
Courtesy lighting .......................... 380
Trunk lamp ................................... 380
Windshield wipers ............................. 381
Switching on/off
windshield wipers ........................ 381
Intermittent wiping ...................... 382
Single wipe .................................. 382
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid.............................................. 382
Power windows ................................. 383
Opening and closing
power windows ............................ 383
Rear side window sunshades* ..... 385
Summer opening feature ............. 385
Convenience closing feature ........ 386
Driving and parking ........................... 389
Starting the engine ...................... 389
Driving off .................................... 392
Turn signals.................................. 393
Problems while driving ................. 393
Parking......................................... 394
Turning off the engine .................. 397
Releasing seat belts ..................... 398
Automatic transmission..................... 399
Gear selector lever....................... 399

Contents
Shifting procedure ....................... 402
Transmission positions................. 403
Driving tips ................................... 406
Gear ranges ................................. 408
Automatic shift program .............. 409
Steering wheel gearshift control .. 411
Manual shift program
(S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG only) ... 413
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 416
Instrument cluster ............................. 417
Adjusting instrument cluster
display illumination ...................... 417
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 417
Tachometer .................................. 418
Outside temperature indicator ..... 418
Fuel gauge ................................... 418
Driving systems ................................. 419
Cruise control .............................. 419
DISTRONIC Plus* ......................... 424
Airmatic (S 550 only) ................... 440
Active Body Control (ABC)*.......... 442
Parktronic system* ...................... 444
Park Assist* ................................. 448
Dynamic Rear View Monitor* ....... 453
Night View Assist* ....................... 461Air vents ............................................. 466
Opening and closing air vents ....... 468
Ventilated storage compartment .. 468
Automatic climate control .................. 469
Deactivating climate control
system .......................................... 471
Operating climate control system
in automatic mode ........................ 471
Setting temperature...................... 472
Adjusting air volume ..................... 472
Front defroster.............................. 472
Rear window defroster .................. 473
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL
(USA only) ..................................... 474
Air recirculation mode .................. 474
Residual engine heat and
ventilation ..................................... 476
Rear passenger compartment
climate control* ............................ 477
Trunk .................................................. 479
Opening trunk ............................... 479
Closing trunk ................................ 480
Trunk emergency release.............. 484
Valet locking ................................. 484
Power tilt/sliding sunroof................... 486Opening and closing
power tilt/sliding sunroof ............. 486
Synchronizing ............................... 488
Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel*............................... 489
Roller sunblinds ............................ 489
Opening and closing panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel . 490
Synchronizing ............................... 492
Loading and storing............................ 493
Roof rack* .................................... 493
Loading instructions ..................... 493
Storage compartments ................. 494
Cup holders .................................. 498
Trunk ............................................ 500
Useful features ................................... 502
Sun visors ..................................... 502
Vanity mirror in rear...................... 502
Rear window sunshade ................. 503
Ashtrays........................................ 503
Cigarette lighters .......................... 504
Power outlet ................................. 506
Floormats* ................................... 506
Telephone* ................................... 507
Tele Aid......................................... 510
Garage door opener ...................... 518

Contents
Infrared reflecting windshield ....... 524
Operation......................................... 525
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 526
Driving instructions ............................ 527
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 527
Drinking and driving ..................... 527
Pedals .......................................... 527
Power assistance ......................... 527
Brakes .......................................... 528
Driving off..................................... 530
Parking ......................................... 530
Tires ............................................. 531
Hydroplaning ................................ 531
Tire traction .................................. 532
Tire speed rating .......................... 532
Winter driving instructions ........... 533
Standing water ............................. 534
Passenger compartment .............. 535
Driving abroad .............................. 535
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 535
Catalytic converter ....................... 536
Emission control........................... 536
Coolant temperature .................... 537At the gas station .............................. 538
Refueling ...................................... 538
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 540
Engine compartment ......................... 541
Hood ............................................ 541
Engine oil ..................................... 543
Transmission fluid level ................ 546
Active Body Control* (ABC*)
fluid level...................................... 547
Coolant level ................................ 547
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 548
Tires and wheels ................................ 550
Important guidelines .................... 550
Tire care and maintenance ........... 551
Direction of rotation ..................... 553
Loading the vehicle ...................... 553
Recommended tire
inflation pressure ......................... 558
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 560
Tire labeling.................................. 567
Load identification ....................... 571
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 572
Maximum tire load ....................... 573Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 573
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 574
Tire ply material ........................... 575
Tire and loading terminology........ 576
Rotating tires ............................... 578
Winter driving .................................... 580
Winter tires .................................. 580
Snow chains................................. 581
Maintenance...................................... 582
Maintenance service indicator
message ...................................... 582
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display .............. 583
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 584
Vehicle care....................................... 585
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 585
Practical hints................................. 597
What to do if …? ................................ 598
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 598
Air bag off indicator lamp............. 610
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display.................... 612

Contents
Where will I find ...? ........................... 668
First aid kit ................................... 668
Vehicle jack, vehicle tool kit,
luggage bowl, Minispare wheel .... 668
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 671
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 671
Locking the vehicle ...................... 672
Mechanically releasing the
electronic parking brake .............. 673
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 674
Power tilt/sliding sunroof or
panorama roof with
power tilt/sliding panel*.............. 674
Resetting activated head restraints ... 675
Replacing SmartKey batteries ........... 676
Replacing bulbs ................................. 678
Bulbs ............................................ 679
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 680
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 684
Placing wiper arms in vertical
position ........................................ 684
Removing wiper blades ................ 685
Installing wiper blades................. 685
Flat tire .............................................. 686
Preparing the vehicle ................... 686
Mounting the spare wheel............ 686Batteries ............................................. 692
Disconnecting starter battery ....... 694
Removing starter battery .............. 695
Charging battery ........................... 695
Reinstalling starter battery ........... 696
Reconnecting starter battery ........ 696
Jump starting ...................................... 697
Towing the vehicle .............................. 700
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 703
Fuses .................................................. 704
Fuse boxes in engine
compartment ................................ 705
Fuse boxes in passenger
compartment ................................ 706
Emergency engine shut-down ....... 707
Technical data.................................. 709
Parts service....................................... 710
Warranty coverage ............................. 711
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 711
Identification labels ............................ 712
Layout of poly-V-belt drive .................. 714
S 550 ............................................ 714
S 63 AMG ..................................... 714S 600 and S 65 AMG .................... 714
Engine ................................................ 715
Rims and tires .................................... 718
Same size tires ............................. 719
Mixed size tires ............................. 720
Spare wheel .................................. 721
Electrical system ................................ 722
Main dimensions and weights ............ 723
Main dimensions........................... 723
Weights......................................... 723
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. .......... 724
Capacities ..................................... 724
Engine oils .................................... 728
Engine oil additives ....................... 728
Air conditioning refrigerant ........... 728
Brake fluid .................................... 728
Premium unleaded gasoline.......... 729
Fuel requirements......................... 729
Gasoline additives......................... 730
Coolants ....................................... 730
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 733
Index................................................. 735

19 Introduction
Operating safety
Operating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual

the “Technical data” section in this
manual

traffic rules and regulations

motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are in-
terconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other sys-
tems. Electronic malfunctions could seri-
ously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden significant vibration or ride distur-
bance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an area
which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires/wheels for possible damage. If the ve-
hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair fa-
cility for further inspection or repairs.
Warning!G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself. Re-
moval of any of these labels may cause you
and others to be unaware of certain risks
which may result in an accident and/or per-
sonal injury.

25 At a glance
Exterior view
ItemPage
1Trunk

Unlocking

Opening and closing

Minispare wheel

Vehicle tool kit
479
479
686
668
2Rear lamps679
3Rear window, defrosting473
4Fuel filler flap
Gasoline538
729
5Doors

Locking and unlocking

Opening and closing
332
332
ItemPage
6Exterior rear view mirror
Parking position361
364
7Towing the vehicle700
8Rims and tires

Checking tire inflation
pressure

Minispare wheel

Flat tire
718
560
670
686
9Hood, opening
Engine oil
Coolant541
543
547
ItemPage
aHeadlamp cleaning system375
bFront lamps679
cWindshield wipers
Wiper blades, replacing
Wiper blades, cleaning381
684
592
dWindow, cleaning592
eRoofs

Power tilt/sliding sunroof

Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel*
486
489

27 At a glance
Cockpit
ItemPage
1Combination switch

High beam

Corner-illuminating lamps

Windshield wipers

Turn signals
375
376
381
393
2Lever for

Cruise control

DISTRONIC Plus*
420
424
3Horn
4Multifunction steering wheel265
5Instrument cluster28
6Steering wheel gearshift con-
trol411
7Gear selector lever for
automatic transmission389
ItemPage
8Control panel with

Front passenger front
air bag indicator lamp

Vehicle level control
switch

Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP®) switch

Parktronic*/Park Assist*
deactivation switch

Swivel COMAND display

COMAND/instrument
cluster display
illumination
50
441,
443
73
447,
452
87
417
9COMAND display85
aOverhead control panel33
bAutomatic climate control
Center console, upper part 469
32
ItemPage
cGlove box lock494
dCover of compartment with

CD/DVD changer

PCMCIA card slot
115
117
eCenter console, lower part30
fStarter switch
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button344
345
gSteering wheel adjustment
Heated steering wheel* 359
360
hHeadlamp cleaning button375
jElectronic parking brake395
kHood lock release541
lDoor control panel34
mNight View Assist*461
nExterior lamp switch371

32 At a glance
Center console
Upper partItemPage
1Thumbwheel for air volume
control for left center air vent468
2Thumbwheel for air volume
control for right center air
vent 468
3AUTO mode for air distribu-
tion and volume, left471
4Temperature control, left472
5Manual fan speed adjust-
ment, left472
6Front defroster472
7Air recirculation474
8Climate control on/off471
9Residual engine heat and
ventilation (REST)476
aRear window defroster 473
ItemPage
bManual fan speed adjust-
ment, right472
cTemperature control, right472
dAUTO mode for air distribu-
tion and volume, right471
eAlarm system indicator lamp81
fCup holder498
gCover of compartment with:

Ashtray

Lighter
503
504
hCover of compartment with

CD/DVD changer

PCMCIA card slot
115
117