2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class Owner's Manual

2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class owners manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
S Class
Rating:
(3)

Online manual

Size:
21.09 MB

Table of Contents

Introduction
30
Notes on the Operator's Manual
30
Service and literature
30
Information for customers in California
31
Maintenance
31
Roadside Assistance
31
Change of address or change of ownership
31
Safety notes
32
Qualified specialist workshop
33
Proper use
33
Problems with your vehicle
33
Reporting malfunctions relevant to safety
33
Information about electronic data acquisition in the vehicle
34
At a glance
36
Displays
37
Warning and indicator lamps
38
On-board computer and COMAND
39
Center console
40
Front
42
Rear
43
Rear seats
44
Safety
46
Overview of occupant safety
46
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
46
Air bags
48
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
52
PRE-SAFE® (preventative occupant protection)
57
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
57
Resetting triggered NECK-PRO head restraints
58
Child restraint systems
64
Child-proof locks
68
Driving safety systems overview
70
Important safety notes
71
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
71
BAS (Brake Assist System)
72
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
72
ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
73
EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
75
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
75
Immobilizer
77
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
77
Opening/closing
80
Important safety notes
80
General notes
80
SmartKey functions
80
KEYLESS-GO
81
Changing the settings of the locking system
83
Restoring the factory settings
83
Mechanical key
83
SmartKey battery
84
Important safety notes
87
Unlocking and opening doors from inside
88
Centrally locking and unlocking the vehicle from the inside
88
Automatic locking feature
88
Power closing feature
89
Unlocking the driver's door (mechanical key)
89
Important safety notes
90
Opening and closing manually
91
Opening/closing automatically from outside
92
Opening/closing automatically from the inside
92
Locking the trunk separately
93
Unlocking the trunk (mechanical key)
93
Important safety notes
94
Opening and closing the side windows
95
Convenience opening feature
95
Convenience closing
96
Resetting the side windows
97
Important safety notes
97
Operating the sliding sunroof
98
Operating the panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel
99
Operating the sunblinds for the panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel
99
Problems with the sliding sunroof
102
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
104
Useful information
104
Important safety notes
105
Adjusting the seats
106
Adjusting the rear seat electrically
106
Adjusting the front-passenger seat from the driver's seat
107
Adjusting the front-passenger seat from the rear
107
Adjusting the head restraints
108
Adjusting the multicontour seat
110
Adjusting the multicontour seat in the rear compartment
110
Adjusting the active multicontour seat
110
Adjusting the lumbar support
110
Switching the seat heating on/off
110
Important safety notes
111
Adjusting the steering wheel
112
Steering wheel heating
112
Exterior mirrors
113
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
114
Storing settings
115
Calling up a stored setting
116
COMAND
118
COMAND operating system
120
Remote control
127
Operating COMAND
129
Basic functions of COMAND
135
Display settings
145
Time settings
146
Text reader settings
147
Voice Control System settings
147
Bluetooth® settings
149
System language settings
151
Introduction
152
Basic settings
154
Destination entry
155
Entering a point of interest
164
Route guidance
168
Traffic reports
176
Destination memory
180
Previous destinations
183
Map operation and settings
184
Additional settings
189
General notes
195
Telephony via the Bluetooth® interface
197
Reception and transmission volume
201
Telephone operation
201
Using the phone book and address book
205
Radio mode
213
HD Radio
217
Satellite radio
218
Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode
222
MUSIC REGISTER
232
Media Interface mode
235
General information
242
Basic settings
242
Video DVD mode
242
General information
248
Basic functions
250
System settings
251
Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode
252
Video DVD mode
256
Vehicle functions
262
Automatic climate control
267
Seats
271
Uploading/downloading data
275
Lights and windshield wipers
278
Important safety notes
278
Information about driving abroad
278
Light switch
278
Combination switch
281
Hazard warning lamps
281
Cornering light function
282
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
282
Overview of interior lighting
283
Important safety notes
284
Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
285
Switching the windshield wipers on/off
287
Replacing the wiper blades
287
Problems with the windshield wipers
288
Climate control
292
Important safety notes
292
Automatic climate control panel
293
Activating/deactivating climate control
294
Activating/deactivating cooling with the air dehumidification function
295
Setting climate control to automatic
295
Setting the temperature
296
Setting the air distribution
297
Setting the airflow
297
Defrosting the windshield
298
MAX COOL maximum cooling
298
Defrosting the windows
298
Rear window defroster
299
Activating/deactivating air-recirculation mode
299
Important safety notes
300
Setting the center air vents
300
Setting the side air vents
301
Setting the glove box air vent
301
Setting the rear-compartment air vents
301
Driving and parking
304
Important safety notes
304
SmartKey positions
305
Starting the engine
306
Pulling away
307
ECO start/stop function
308
Important safety notes
312
DIRECT SELECT lever
312
Transmission position display
314
Transmission positions
314
Changing gear
315
Driving tips
315
Program selector button
316
Steering wheel paddle shifters
316
Automatic drive program
316
Shift ranges
317
Manual drive program
318
Problems with the transmission
319
Important safety notes
319
Gasoline
320
Diesel
320
Refueling
321
Problems with fuel and the fuel tank
322
Important safety notes
325
Switching off the engine
325
Electric parking brake
326
General driving tips
328
Brakes
329
Driving on wet roads
331
Cruise control
332
DISTRONIC PLUS
334
HOLD function
344
AIRMATIC
345
Active Body Control (ABC)
347
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
348
PARKTRONIC
349
Parking Guidance
352
Rear view camera
356
ATTENTION ASSIST
358
Night View Assist Plus
359
Driving Assistance package
362
Active Driving Assistance package
365
On-board computer and displays
374
Useful information
374
Coolant temperature display
374
Tachometer
375
Outside temperature display
375
Operating the on-board computer
375
Menu overview
377
Trip menu
378
Navigation menu
379
Audio menu
380
AMG menu in AMG vehicles
381
Telephone menu
384
Assistance menu
385
Service menu
387
General notes
390
Hiding display messages
390
Message memory
390
Safety systems
391
Lights
403
Engine
406
Driving systems
410
Tires
417
Vehicle
419
Seat belt
422
Safety systems
424
Engine
429
Driving systems
430
Tires
431
Stowing and features
434
Useful information
434
Stowage compartments
434
Parcel nets
437
Securing cargo
437
Stowage well under the trunk floor
438
Cup holders
439
Sun visors
440
Rear window roller sunblind
441
Ashtray
442
Cigarette lighter
442
12 V sockets
443
115 V power socket
444
mbrace
445
Garage door opener
452
Floormat on the driver's side
455
Infrared reflective windshield
456
Maintenance and care
458
Hood
458
Radiator
459
Engine oil
459
Notes on care
465
Exterior care
465
Interior care
469
Breakdown assistance
474
First-aid kit
474
Vehicle tool kit
474
Preparing the vehicle
475
Changing a wheel and mounting the spare wheel
475
Important safety notes
480
Charging the battery
482
Important safety notes
485
Installing/removing the towing eye
485
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised
486
Towing a vehicle with both axles on the ground
486
Transporting the vehicle
487
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles
487
Important safety notes
487
Before changing a fuse
488
Dashboard fuse box
488
Fuse box in the rear
488
Fuse box in the engine compartment
489
Engine emergency off
489
Wheels and tires
492
Useful information
492
Notes on driving
492
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels and tires
493
Tire tread
493
Notes on selecting, mounting and replacing tires
493
Please bear the following in mind
494
Driving with summer tires
494
S tires
494
Tire pressure specifications
495
Important notes on tire pressure
497
Underinflated or overinflated tires
498
Checking the tire pressures
499
Instruction labels for tires and loads
502
Maximum permissible gross vehicle weight rating
503
Number of seats
503
Determining the correct load limit
503
Vehicle identification plate
506
Trailer load/noseweight
506
Overview of Tire Quality Grading Standards
507
Tread wear
507
Traction
507
Tire labeling overview
508
Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity and speed rating
509
Load index
511
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
511
Tire ply composition and material used
512
Bar
512
DOT (Department of Transportation)
512
Normal occupant weight
513
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
513
Recommended tire pressure
513
Increased vehicle weight due to optional equipment
513
Rim
513
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
513
Speed rating
513
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
513
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
513
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
513
Kilopascal (kPa)
514
Load index
514
Curb weight
514
Maximum load rating
514
Maximum permissible tire pressure
514
Maximum load on one tire
514
PSI (pounds per square inch)
514
Aspect ratio
514
Tire pressure
514
Tire pressure of cold tires
514
Tread
514
Bead
514
Sidewall
514
Weight of optional extras
514
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
515
Load bearing index
515
Traction
515
Treadwear indicators
515
Occupant distribution
515
Flat tire
515
Interchanging the wheels
515
Direction of rotation
516
Storing wheels
516
Please bear the following in mind
516
Tires
518
Technical data
522
Useful information
522
Notes on technical data
522
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
522
Vehicle identification plate with vehicle identification number (VIN) and paint code number
523
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
524
Important safety notes
524
Capacities
526
Fuel
527
DEF
529
Engine oil
529
Refrigerant of the air-conditioning system
530
Brake fluid
530
Coolant
531
Windshield/headlamp cleaning system
531
Vehicle data
532
Internet
535
Editorial office
535

2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class Overview

Introduction

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class exemplifies luxury and performance, continuing the brand's long-standing reputation for crafting vehicles that offer unparalleled sophistication. Renowned for its innovative engineering, the S Class is the epitome of a full-size luxury sedan, combining timeless design with cutting-edge technology to provide a serene driving experience. This model year boasts an exquisite interior, advanced safety features, and an array of powerful engine options that cater to a diverse clientele.

Powertrains

The 2012 S Class offers a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The entry-level S350 BlueTec features a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that produces 240 horsepower, delivering impressive fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the S550 is equipped with a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generating 402 horsepower, which seamlessly propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds. Additionally, the S600 boasts a thrilling 5.5-liter V12 engine that churns out 510 horsepower, ensuring premium performance for the discerning owner.

Trims

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class comes in several trims, including the S350, S550, S600, and the high-performance S63 AMG. Each trim offers its distinctive features while ensuring luxury and comfort. The S63 AMG variant stands out with a bi-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 518 horsepower, coupled with sport-tuned suspension for an exhilarating driving experience.

Features

Luxury and technology are prominent throughout the 2012 S Class. Features include premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a Burmester surround sound audio system, and advanced navigation. Safety is paramount with the inclusion of systems like Attention Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and an optional Night View Assist, ensuring peace of mind for both driver and passengers.

Owner’s Manual

The owner's manual for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class serves as a comprehensive guide, detailing vehicle operation, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips. It is an essential resource for owners, empowering them with the knowledge to maximize their driving experience while ensuring the vehicle remains in pristine condition.

User manual download

The Mercedes-Benz S Class owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

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A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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