Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, gear selector, ignition system, cruise control, parking brake, pedal operation, driver seat adjustments, mirror adjustments.
Instrument Cluster:
Indicator lights, warning lamps, gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature), trip computer functions, menu navigation.
Entertainment Systems:
Audio system (COMAND APS), radio operation, CD player, navigation system, telephone integration (if equipped), speaker locations.
Climate Controls:
Automatic climate control operation (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), temperature settings, fan speed, air distribution, recirculation, air filtration, seat heating/ventilation (if equipped).
Lighting:
Headlights (low beam, high beam, adaptive), fog lights, parking lights, interior lighting, ambient lighting, automatic headlight control.
Locks And Security:
Central locking system, remote key fob operation, keyless entry/start (optional), anti-theft alarm system, immobilizer, power locks, door locking behavior.
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags, active head restraints (NECK-PRO), seat belt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, child seat installation guidelines, seat adjustment (manual/power).
Driving:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears (selector lever operation), parking, braking system, suspension system (AIRMATIC DC), steering system, driving aids (e.g., ESP, ABS).
Customer Assistance:
Warranty information, roadside assistance, authorized service centers, contacting Mercedes-Benz customer care.
Cleaning:
Exterior cleaning (washing, waxing), interior cleaning (upholstery, dashboard, glass), proper cleaning agents, care for specific materials.
Engine Compartment:
Location of key components (engine oil dipstick, coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, windshield washer fluid reservoir), identification of belts and hoses.
Maintenance And Specifications:
General maintenance recommendations, fluid capacities, lubricant specifications, tire pressure information, basic checks.
Service Information:
Recommendations for scheduled maintenance, descriptions of service intervals, information on warranty repairs.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking and topping up engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid; checking tire pressure; checking lights; basic cleaning procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of warning lights and messages, basic diagnostics based on symptoms, guidance on when to seek professional service.
Operation:
Detailed instructions on operating all vehicle systems and features, including infotainment, climate control, and power accessories.
Safety Features:
Proper use and limitations of safety restraints, child seat installation, understanding of active and passive safety systems.
Fuel Management:
Information on fuel type, octane rating, fuel tank capacity, refueling procedure, fuel economy monitoring.
Tire And Wheel:
Recommended tire sizes, inflation pressures, wheel specifications, and care.
Depth Level:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance, not a comprehensive repair manual (e.g., no detailed torque specs for major components or electronic diagnostic procedures).
Diagnostic Scope:
Identification of dashboard warning lights and fault messages, with guidance on necessary actions. Does not cover detailed electronic diagnostics or OBD-II code interpretation.
Comand System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) providing audio, navigation, and climate control interface. Features include CD player, Radio, and optional TV tuner/changer.
Navigation:
CD-ROM based navigation system with satellite map display and voice guidance.
Audio System:
Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system (optional, standard on S500) with multiple speakers for premium audio experience.
Distronic:
Optional Distronic adaptive cruise control system that maintains a set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead.
Parktronic:
Optional Parktronic parking assist system, providing audible and visual cues for obstacle detection.
Bi Xenon Headlights:
Standard bi-xenon headlights with integrated washers, often with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) for better corner illumination.
Telephone Preparation:
Optional integrated Bluetooth or analog cellular phone system with hands-free operation.
Minor Service:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Includes oil and filter change, inspection of critical components.
Major Service:
Around 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact triggers based on service indicators). Includes spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid and filter change (sometimes based on driving conditions).
Engine Oil:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 or equivalent meeting MB-Approval 229.5 (Refer to manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 US Quarts (8.0 Liters)
Transmission Fluid:
MB Spec 236.12 or 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent).
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (MB Spec 325.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus, meeting MB Spec 331.0.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 236.3 Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S).
Air Suspension:
AIRMATIC suspension components (air struts, compressor, lines) can be prone to leaks and failure over time, leading to sagging.
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug ignition coils can fail, causing misfires and rough running.
Electronics:
Various electronic modules (e.g., SAM modules, seat control modules) can experience water intrusion or failure, leading to erratic behavior.
Catalytic Converters:
Can fail due to age or internal engine issues, impacting performance and emissions.
Headlight Leveling Sensors:
Can fail, causing adaptive headlight system issues.
Oil Cooler Seals:
Seals can degrade, leading to coolant leaks into the engine oil or vice versa (valley leak).
Door Panel Sagging:
Adhesive used to hold door panel skins can fail, causing sagging.