2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class Owner's Manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
S Class
Rating:
Table of Contents
Contents
3
Introduction
9
Product information
9
Operator’s Manual
10
Service and warranty information;Information:About service and warranty
10
Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
11
Maintenance
12
Roadside assistance
12
Change of address or ownership
12
Operating:Vehicle outside the USA and Canada
13
Operating safety;Operating:Safety
16
Vehicle:Proper use of
16
Problems:With vehicle
17
Safety defects:Reporting;Reporting:Safety defects
18
Reporting safety defects
18
At a glance
19
Cockpit
20
Instrument cluster
22
Multifunction steering wheel
24
Center console
25
f. At a glance/Pos.11/Center console, upper part
25
f. At a glance/Pos.11/Center console, lower part
26
Overhead control panel
27
Door control panel
28
Getting started
29
Unlocking
30
Unlocking:With the SmartKey
30
Unlocking:With KEYLESS-GO*;KEYLESS-GO*:Unlocking with
32
Adjusting
34
Adjusting:Seats;Seats:Adjusting
34
Adjusting:Steering wheel;Steering wheel:Adjusting;Height adjustment:Steering wheel
37
Mirrors:Adjusting;Adjusting:Mirrors
38
Driving:General instructions
40
Seat belts:Fastening;Fastening the seat belts;Safety belts see Seat belts;Occupant safety:Fastening
40
Starting the engine
42
Switching on:Headlamps;Headlamps:Switching on;Activating:Headlamps
46
Turn signals;Combination switch:Turn signals
46
Windshield wipers;Combination switch:Windshield wipers;Switching on:Windshield wipers;Windshield wip
47
Problems:While driving;Driving:Problems;Difficulties:While driving see Problems while driving
48
Parking;Locking
50
Parking brake:Engaging
50
Headlamps:Switching off;Switching off:Headlamps;Deactivating:Headlamps
51
Turning off:Engine;Engine:Turning off with the Smartkey;Switching off:Engine
52
Safety and Security
55
Occupant safety;Safety:Occupant
56
Airbags;Occupant safety:Airbags
57
Seat belts
62
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-SAFE)
66
Child safety;Occupant safety:Children in the vehicle
67
Rear window:Blocking operation;Blocking:Rear window operation;Power windows:Blocking of rear window
74
Panic alarm;Panic alarm:Panic button on SmartKey
75
Activating
75
Deactivating
75
Driving:Safety systems;Safety systems:Driving;Driving systems:Driving safety systems
76
Driving safety systems:ABS;ABS
76
Driving safety systems:BAS;BAS
78
Driving safety systems:ESP;ESP;Electronic Stability Program see ESP
78
ESP:Four wheel electronic traction system with ESP
81
Anti-theft systems
82
Immobilizer;Activating:Immobilizer
82
Anti-theft systems:Anti-theft alarm system;Alarm system:Anti-theft
82
Tow-away alarm
84
Controls in detail
85
Locking;Unlocking;SmartKey:Locking and unlocking
86
Keys
86
Opening:Doors from the inside;Doors:Opening from inside vehicle
94
Trunk:Trunk lid;Opening:Trunk;Trunk:Opening;
95
Opening:Trunk from the inside;Trunk:Opening from inside vehicle
96
Trunk lid emergency release
96
Trunk:Closing;Closing:Trunk
97
Trunk:Locking separately;Locking:Trunk lid, separately
98
Trunk:Unlocking separately;Unlocking:Trunk lid, separately
98
Trunk lid opening/closing system*
99
Trunk:Unlocking separately;Unlocking:Trunk lid, separately
102
Automatic locking when driving;Central locking:Automatic
102
Central locking:From inside;Central locking:Unlocking from inside
103
Seats
104
Lumbar support adjustment;Adjusting:Lumbar support
104
Seats:Easy entry/exit feature;Easy-entry/exit feature
104
Head restraints
105
Multicontour seat*;Adjusting:Multicontour seat*;Seats:Multicontour seat*
107
Drive-dynamic seat*
109
Seats:Heater
111
Rear seats;Seats: Rear seats
113
Memory function
117
Memory function:Storing key dependent settings;Storing (Memory function*):Positions into memory;Posi
118
Memory function:Recalling positions from memory;Positions (Memory function):Recalling from memory
118
Mirrors:Storing exterior rear view mirror parking position;Parking position:Exterior rear view mirro
118
Lighting
120
Exterior lamp switch;Lighting:Exterior lamp switch;Front lamps:Switching on;Lighting:Low beam;Lighti
120
Combination switch
123
Hazard warning flasher
124
Interior lighting;Lighting:Interior;Passenger compartment:Interior lighting
124
Courtesy lighting
126
Instrument cluster
127
Instrument cluster:Illumination;Adjusting:Instrument cluster illumination;Lighting:Instrument cluste
127
Instrument cluster:Coolant temperature gauge;Coolant:Temperature gauge
128
Resetting:Trip odometer;Trip odometer:Resetting
128
Tachometer
129
Outside temperature indicator;Instrument cluster:Outside temperature indicator
129
Control system
130
Instrument cluster:Multifunction display;Multifunction display;Control system:Multifunction display
130
Multifunction steering wheel:Buttons;Control system:Multifunction steering wheel;Multifunction steer
131
Control system:Menus;Menus:In control system
133
Menus:Standard display;Control system:Standard display menu
135
Menus:AUDIO;Control system:AUDIO menu;AUDIO menu
135
Audio system:CD mode;CD mode;CD changer*;Changing: CDs
137
Menus:TEL*;Control system:TEL* menu;Telephone*:Operating;Operating:Telephone*
139
Menus:NAVI;Control system:NAVI menu;Navigation system:Operating;Operating:Navigation system
142
Distronic*:Calling up settings;Settings:Calling up Distronic*;Calling up:Distronic* settings;Control
142
Menus:Trip computer;Control system:Trip computer menu;Trip computer
143
Menus:Malfunction memory;Control system:Malfunction memory menu;Malfunction memory;Malfunction memor
145
Control system:Settings menu;Settings menu:Functions in;Setting:Individual vehicle settings;Settings
146
f.At a glance/Pos.6/Selector lever
160
One-touch gearshifting;Automatic transmission:One-touch gearshifting
161
Gear range:Automatic transmission;Automatic transmission:Gear ranges
162
Automatic transmission:Gear selector lever position;Gear selector lever:Position;Shifting:Gear selec
163
Program mode selector switch:Automatic transmission;Automatic transmission:Program mode selector swi
164
Automatic transmission:Accelerator position;Accelerator position, automatic transmission
165
Automatic transmission:Gear shifting malfunctions
165
Automatic transmission:Steering wheel gearshift control (Speedshift) and manual shift program S 55 A
166
Good visibility
168
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors <$nopage>
168
Electrically folding exterior rear view mirrors
170
Windshield wipers
171
Headlamps:Cleaning system*;Cleaning:Headlamps
171
Sun visors
172
Rear window sunshade*
173
Rear door window sunshade*
173
Automatic climate control
174
Setting:Temperature (interior);Automatic climate control:Setting the temperature
177
Adjusting:Air distribution
178
Adjusting:Air volume;Air volume:Adjusting
179
MAXCOOL:Maximum cooling
179
Defrosting;Automatic climate control:Defrosting
180
Air recirculation mode;Automatic climate control:Air recirculation mode
180
Charcoal filter
182
Rear window defroster;Automatic climate control:Rear window defroster
183
Deactivating the climate control system
183
Air conditioning:Turning on;Air conditioning:Turning off
184
Storage compartment ventilation
184
Residual ventilation
185
Rear passenger compartment:Adjustable air vents;Air vents, rear passenger compartment:Adjustable;Adj
186
Rear passenger compartment climate control*
187
Power windows;Power windows:Side windows
188
Side windows:Opening;Side windows:Closing;Opening:Windows;Closing:Windows
188
Power windows:Synchronizing;Synchronizing:Power windows;Side windows:Synchronizing power windows
191
Sliding/pop-up roof
192
Opening:Sliding/pop-up roof;Closing:Sliding/pop-up roof;Sliding/pop-up roof:Opening;Sliding/pop-up r
192
Sliding/pop-up roof:Synchronizing;Synchronizing:Sliding/pop-up roof
195
Driving systems
196
Cruise control;Driving systems:Cruise control
196
Distronic*;Driving systems:Distronic*
199
AIRMATIC;Driving systems:AIRMATIC
211
Driving systems:Parktronic;Parktronic;Parking assist see Parktronic <nopage>
218
Loading
222
Roof rack;Loading:Roof rack
222
Loading:Instructions
222
Cargo tie-down hooks;Securing cargo:Cargo tie-down hooks;Tie-down hooks (Trunk);Trunk:Tie-down hooks
223
Useful features
224
Interior storage spaces;Useful features:Interior storage spaces
224
Ashtray;Useful features:Ashtrays
232
Cigarette lighter;Useful features:Cigarette lighter;Lighter see Cigarette lighter
233
Heated steering wheel*
235
Telephone*;Useful features:Telephone*
236
Tele Aid*;Useful features:Tele Aid*
237
Garage door opener;Useful features:Garage door opener
245
Infrared reflecting windshield
248
Operation
249
Driving:General instructions;Driving instructions
251
Drive sensibly – save fuel
251
Drinking and driving
251
Pedals
251
Power assistance
251
Brakes
252
Driving off
253
Parking
253
Tires:Driving instructions
254
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning <nopage>
255
Tire traction
255
Tire speed rating
255
Winter driving instructions;Driving:In winter
256
Standing water:Driving instructions;Deep water see Standing water;Driving:Through standing water
257
Passenger compartment
258
Driving abroad;Driving:Abroad
258
Control and operation of radio transmitters;Radio transmitters, control and operation;Operating:Radi
258
Catalytic converter
259
Emission control
259
Coolant:Temperature
260
At the gas station
261
Regular checks
262
Engine:Compartment;Engine compartment
263
Hood;Engine compartment:Hood;Hood:Opening
263
Engine oil:Checking level
264
Transmission see Automatic transmission;ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid);Automatic transmission:Tr
268
Active Body Control* (ABC*) fluid level
268
Coolant:Checking level;Checking:Coolant level;Coolant;Coolant level:Checking
268
Battery, vehicle
270
Windshield:Washer fluid;Windshield washer fluid:Refilling;Headlamps:Cleaning system*;Headlamp cleani
271
Tires;Wheels:Tires and wheels
272
Important guidelines
272
Service life (tires);Tires:Service life
273
Direction of rotation (tires);Tires:Direction of rotation
273
Tire inflation pressure:Checking
273
Rotating wheels;Wheels:Rotating
277
Winter driving
278
Winter driving:Tires;Tires:Winter;Winter tires
278
Block heater*;Winter driving:Block heater*
279
Snow chains;Winter driving:Snow chains
279
Service (maintenance)
280
Service indicator:Clearing
280
Service:Overdue;Overdue service;Service:Types
280
Service:Calling up the service indicator;Service indicator:Calling up;Calling up:Service indicator
281
Resetting:Service indicator (FSS);Service indicator:Clearing;Service indicator:Calling up
281
Vehicle care
282
Washing the vehicle
282
Practical hints
289
What to do if...
290
Practical hints:Lamps in instrument cluster
290
Practical hints:Lamp in center console;Center console:AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp;AIRBAG OFF indicator
295
Practical hints:Messages in the display;Displays:Messages
296
First aid kit;Practical hints:First aid kit
322
Vehicle tool kit;Tools;Practical hints:Vehicle tool kit
322
Unlocking:In an emergency;Emergency operations:Unlocking the vehicle;Vehicle:Unlocking in an emergen
326
f. Controls in Detail/Opening door w. Mechanical Key
326
Locking:Vehicle in an emergency;Emergency operations:Locking the vehicle;Manual operations:Locking t
327
Batteries, SmartKey:Changing;SmartKey:Changing batteries;
328
Fuel filler flap:Opening;Manual operations:Fuel filler flap;Opening:Fuel filler flap manually
329
Emergency operations:Opening sliding/pop-up roof;Opening:Sliding/pop-up roof in an emergency;Emergen
330
Sliding/pop-up roof:Opening;Opening:Sliding/pop-up roof;Sliding/pop-up roof:Closing;Closing:Sliding/
330
Bulbs, replacing;Replacing:Bulbs
331
Bulbs
331
Front lamps:Replacing bulbs;Replacing:Front lamp bulbs
333
Replacing:Brake lamp bulbs;Replacing:Backup lamp bulbs
336
Replacing:Wiper blades;Windshield wipers:Replacing wiper blades;Wiper blades:Replacing;Windshield:Re
337
Wiper blades:Removing;Removing:Wiper blades
337
Wiper blades:Installing;Installing:Wiper blades
338
Flat tire
339
Flat tire:Preparing the vehicle
339
Flat tire:Mounting the spare wheel;Spare wheel:Mounting
339
Battery, vehicle;Vehicle:Service battery;Vehicle battery
344
Battery, vehicle:Disconnecting;Disconnecting:Vehicle battery
345
Battery, vehicle:Removing;Removing:Vehicle battery
345
Battery, vehicle:Charging;Charging:Vehicle battery;Battery, vehicle:Reinstalling;Reinstalling vehicl
345
Battery, vehicle:Reconnecting;Reconnecting:Vehicle battery
345
Jump starting;Discharged battery:Jump starting;Battery discharged:Jump starting
347
Towing the vehicle;Vehicle:Towing;Practical hints:Towing the vehicle
349
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit):Installing;Installing:Towing eye bolt
351
Fuses;Electrical fuses;Practical hints:Fuses
353
Fuses:Fuse box in passenger compartment;Fuse box;Passenger compartment:Fuse box in
353
Fuses:Fuse box in engine compartment;Fuse box;Engine compartment:Fuse box in
354
Emergency engine shut-down;Engine shut down in an emergency
355
Technical data
357
Spare parts service
358
Warranty coverage
359
Loss of Service and Warranty Informa\x05tion Booklet
359
Identification labels
360
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
361
S\x11430 / S\x11500
361
S\x1155\x11AMG
361
S\x11600
361
Rims and Tires
364
Same size tires
365
Mixed size tires
366
Spare wheel
367
Electrical system
368
Main Dimensions
369
Weights
370
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
371
f. Operation/Engine compartment/Capacities
371
f. Operation/Engine compartment/Engine oil
373
Engine oil additives
373
Air conditioning refrigerant
373
Brake fluid
373
f. Operation/At the gas station/Gasoline
374
Fuel requirements
374
Gasoline additives
374
f. Operation/Engine compartment/Coolants
375
Windshield and headlamp washer sys\x05tem
377
Consumer information
378
Uniform tire quality grading
378
Technical terms
381
Index
387
2003 Mercedes-Benz S Class Overview
Introduction
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands as a paragon of luxury and engineering excellence in the automotive world. Renowned for its unparalleled comfort and advanced technology, this flagship sedan epitomizes the brand's commitment to sophistication and performance. With its sleek silhouette and elegant lines, the S-Class exudes a timeless appeal that captivates car enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.
Powertrains
The 2003 S-Class offers an impressive range of powertrains to cater to diverse driving preferences. The base S430 features a robust 4.3-liter V8 engine that delivers 275 horsepower, ensuring a smooth and powerful ride. For those seeking enhanced performance, the S500 boasts a 5.0-liter V8 producing 302 horsepower. The pinnacle of the lineup, the S600, is equipped with a commanding 5.5-liter V12 engine that generates a staggering 493 horsepower, allowing for breathtaking acceleration and effortless highway cruising.
Trims
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes in several trim levels: the S430, S500, and S600. Each trim offers a distinct blend of power, luxury, and technology, catering to varying tastes and requirements. While the S430 serves as a well-equipped entry point, the S500 elevates the experience with enhanced features and performance. The flagship S600 truly embodies opulence, featuring premium materials and state-of-the-art technology that sets it apart in the luxury segment.
Features
This model year is replete with advanced features designed for comfort and convenience. The interior showcases rich leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a top-tier sound system. The S-Class also comes equipped with cutting-edge safety features, including electronic stability control and multiple airbags, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a comprehensive resource designed to help owners maximize their vehicle's features. It covers essential information on maintenance, operational functions, and troubleshooting, ensuring that drivers can enjoy the pinnacle of luxury while taking proper care of their vehicle. With user-friendly instructions, the manual empowers owners to navigate their S-Class experience confidently.
User manual download
The Mercedes-Benz S Class owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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