Mercedes-Benz S350 TURBODIESEL User manual

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Mercedes-Benz
Operator's Manual
S 350 TURBODIESEL

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Product information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for
your vehicle model. We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-
Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases
an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them. Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive
comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.
Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an
automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of ownership, and
for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
• Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
• Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
• Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG

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Operator's manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to
follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional
equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy
The Owner’s Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
• New Car Limited Warranty,
• Emission System Warranty,
• Emission Performance Warranty,
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

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Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz USA,LLC
or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair attempts
during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for
a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total of more than 30
calendar days or (2) the same substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once
directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to perform the repair
ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet.
Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service.
The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.
Roadside assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number:
1-800-222-0100 (in the USA) only
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

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Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Owner's Service
and Warranty Policy Booklet. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all owner's literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next owner.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Owner's
Service and Warranty Policy Booklet.
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that service facilities or replacement
parts may not be readily available.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program.
For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or write to:
In the USA: In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz USA, Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
LLC European Delivery Department European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive 849 Eglinton Avenue East
Montvale, NJ 07645 Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

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We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and
equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator's Manual might differ from your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order
items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator's Manual, your authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.
The Operator's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

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Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip
See Index
The First 1000 Miles (1500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first 1500 km (1000 miles) at moderate vehicle and
engine-speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and high RPM (no more than 2/3 of maximum
permissible speed in each gear as indicated on the speedometer).
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend to select positions "3" or "2"only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum
Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet may result in vehicle
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

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Introduction Power Windows and Ashtrays 64
Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 32 Lighter 64
Product information 2Power Closing Assist for Sliding Roof with Rear
Operator's manual 3Doors and trunk Lid 33 Pop-Up Feature 65
Consumer Information 130 Anti-Theft Alarm System 34 Power Windows 66
Problems with your vehicle 131 Power Seats, Front 35 Rear Window Sunshade 67
Reporting Safety Defects 132 Lumbar Support 38 Rear Window Defroster 68
Index 134 Multicontour Backrest 38 Shelf below Rear Window 68
Heated Seats 39 Antenna 69
Instruments and Controls Armrest, Front 40 Setting Clock 69
Armrest, Rear 42 Cellular Telephone 69
Instruments and Controls 10 Power head Restrains, Rear 43 Instrument Lamps 70
Instrument Cluster 12 Adjustable Steering Wheel 44 Display Illumination 70
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Seat Belts and Supplemental Trip Odometer 70
Catalytic Converter 14 Restrain System (SRS) 45
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 15 Seat Belts 45 Driving
Driving Instructions 16 Emergency Tensioning
Retractor (ETR) 48 Drinking and Driving 72
Operation Airbags 49 Parking Brake 72
Steering Lock 54 Driving Off 72
Air Outlets 20 Combination Switch 55 Automatic Transmissions 73
Automatic Climate Control 21 Exterior Lamp Switch 57 Rear Fender Indicators 76
Rear Passenger Compartment: Inside and Exterior Cruise Control 76
Adjustable Air Outlet 24 Rear View Mirrors 58 Charge Indicator Lamp 78
Active Charcoal Filter 25 Sun Visors 61 Parking Brake 78
Car Keys 26 Vanity Mirrors 61 Tachometer 78
Infrared Remote Control 27 Interior Lighting 62 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 78
Central Locking System,Doors 30 Storage Compartments 63
Trunk 31

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Engine Oil Pressure Gauge with Oil Practical Hints
Pressure Warning Lamp 78 Trunk Lid Handle 117
Low Engine Oil Level Hood 90 Replacing Wiper Blades 118
Warning Lamp 79 Checking Coolant Level 91 Manual Release of Fuel
Engine Oil Consumption 79 Adding Coolant 91 Filler Flap 119
Fuel Consumption Gauge 79 Checking Engine Oil Level 92 Roof Rack 119
Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp 80 Checking Automatic Emergency Operation
Outside Temperature Transmission Fluid Level 93 of Sliding Roof 120
Indicator 80 Trunk Lamp 95 Layout of Poly-V-Belt drive 120
Coolant Temperature Gauge 80 Spare Wheel, Lug Wrench 95
Low Engine Coolant Level First Aid Kit 95 Technical Data. Fuels,
Warning Lamp 81 Stowing Things in the Vehicle 95 Coolants, Lubricants etc.
Low Windshield and Headlamp Vehicle Jack 96 Consumer Information
Washer System Fluid Level Vehicle Tools 96
Warning Lamp 81 Storage Compartment below Identification Plates 122
Exterior Lamp Failure Vehicle Tool Box 96 Vehicle Data Card 123
Indicator Lamp 82 Wheels 97 Warranty Coverage 124
Seat Belt Warning Lamp 82 Changing Wheels 98 Technical Data 124
Brake Pad Wear Indicator lamp 82 Tire Inflation Pressure 101 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 125
Brake Warning Lamp 83 Battery 102 Capacities 125
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 84 Exterior Lamps 103 Engine Oils 127
Automatic Locking Fuses 107 Engine Oils Additives 127
Differential (ASD) 85 Jump Starting 108 Brake Fluid 127
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 86 Towing the Vehicle 111 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 127
Emission Control 87 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 111 Diesel Fuels 128
Traveling Abroad 87 Testing Infrared Remote Control 115 Coolants 129
Winter Driving 88 Front Head Restrains 116 Check Regularly and Before a Long
Snow Chains 88 Rear Seat Cushion 117 trip 138
Manual Closing of Trunk Lid 117
Manual Retraction of

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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index.
1Adjustable air outlet 18 Air volume control for right air outlet
2Exterior lamp switch 19 Lock for telephone control unit compartment and glove box
3Parking brake release 20 Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position 2)
4Hood lock release 21 Rear window defroster switch
5Parking brake pedal 22 Switch for rear seat head restrains
6Steering wheel adjustment switch 23 Active charcoal filter switch
7Combination switch 24 Central locking switch, Indicator lamp for anti-theft alarm system
8Cruise control switch 25 Hazard warning flasher switch
9Horn, airbag 26 Automatic climate control
10 Instrument cluster 27 Radio
11 Steering lock with preglow / starter switch 28 Snow chain switch
12 Adjustable air outlet 29 Ashtray with lighter
13 Heated air supply button – center air outlet 30 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch
14 Non – heated /coolant air supply button center air outlet 31 Seat heater switch
15 Air volume control for left air outlet 32 Mirror adjustment switch
16 Air volume control for left center air outlet 33 Switch for rear window sunshade
17 Air volume control for right center air outlet 34 Power window switch

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Instrument Cluster
1
Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow).
9
Trip odometer
.
2
Coolant temperature gauge.
10
Main odometer
.
3
Fuel consumption gauge.
11
Outside temperature indicator
.
4
Engine oil pressure gauge (bar).
12
Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
.
5
Left turn signal indicator lamp (green)
.
13
Knob for setting clock
(to adjust pull knob out).
6
Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer
.
14
Tachometer.
7
Speedometer
.
15
Clock.
8
A
SD
function indicator lamp (yellow).

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Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam ADS malfunction. See Index.
Preglow. See Index. ASD malfunction. See Index.
Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)
ABS malfunction
Battery not being charged properly. See Index Brake pads worn down. See Index.
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer
system low. See Index.
Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged. See Index.
Coolant level low. See Index. Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged. See Index.
Engine oil level low. See Index. SRS malfunction. See Index.
Exterior lamp failure. See Index. Fasten seat belts. See Index.

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Starting and Turning Off the Engine
Before Starting
Engage parking brake and ensure
selector lever is in position "P" or "N".
Cold Engine
Turn key to steering lock position 2.
Charge indicator and pre-glow
indicator lamp should come on. The
preglow process starts. When the
preglow indicator lamp goes out, the
engine is ready for starting.
Ambient temperatures above
+ 14°F (-10°C):
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key
in steering lock clockwise to the
stop. Release key only when the
engine is firing regularly.
Ambient temperatures below
+14°F (-10°C):
Depress accelerator fully. Turn key in
steering lock clockwise to the stop.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly and back off
accelerator slowly.
Hot Engine
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in
steering lock clockwise to the stop.
If the engine has not fired after approx.
4 seconds, depress accelerator and
continue cranking until the engine is
firing regularly. Release key and back
off accelerator.
At very high coolant temperatures the
engine starting time can be shortened if
the accelerator is depressed slowly at
the beginning of the starting process.
Turning Off
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position 0 to stop the engine.
The key can only be removed with the
selector lever in position "P".
If the coolant temperature is very high
(e.g. after hard driving on mountain
roads), do not shut off the engine
immediately, but allow it to run for 1 -
2 minutes at increased idle speed with
selector lever in position "P" or "N".
Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat
feature, the key must be turned
completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
Observe the oil pressure gauge
immediately after starting the engine.
In a very cold engine the oil pressure
will rise slowly. Do not speed up the
engine before pressure is registered on
the pressure gauge. If you do not see
the gauge register oil pressure, stop the
engine and have it checked.
The battery charge indicator lamp
should go out as soon as the engine has
started.
If the preglow indicator lamp fails to
light up, or lights up while driving, the
preglow system is defective and should
be repaired at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer at the earliest
possible date.
The engine is equipped with a block
heater to provide reliable starting at
temperatures below 0°F (-18°C). Refer
to Winter Driving in Index.

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Driving Instructions
Power Assistance
Warning!
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are
without power assistance. Under
these circumstances, a much greater
effort is necessary to stop or steer the
vehicle.
Brakes
Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into "3", "2" or "B". This
helps prevent overheating of the brakes
and reduces brake pad wear. Do not
exceed engine speed limits. Refer to
Technical Data for downshift points.
After hard braking, it is advisable to
drive on for some time, rather than
immediately parking, so the air stream
will cool down the brakes faster.
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for some
time without applying the brakes or
through water deep enough to wet
brake components, the first braking
action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe
distance from vehicles in front.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for the required
maintenance.
Between maintenance checks, it is a
good practice to apply the parking
brake once or twice while driving at
approximately 30 mph (50 km/h) on a
dry straight road. Apply parking brake
lightly while pulling the release handle
out until a slight drag on the wheels is
felt. Keep applying the brake for about
10 seconds while pulling the release
handle out before releasing the parking
brake completely. This practice will
keep the parking brake at maximum
efficiency
Warning!
The stop lamps will not come on
when applying the parking brake
only. Perform the procedure in the
previous paragraph only when the
road is clear of other traffic.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes
overheating thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the car in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
All checks and maintenance work on
the brake system should be carried out
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low.

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Brake pad wear or a leak in the system
may be the reason for low brake fluid
in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
immediately.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Warning!
If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be
degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired.
Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are
required by law. These indicators are
located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a
depth of approximately 1/16 in
(1.5 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be
replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread.
Warning!
Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. As tread depth approaches
1/16 in (1.5 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or
road surface (conditions), the tire
traction varies widely.
Specified tire pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subjected to high loads
(e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat
tire affects the ability to steer or
brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the car. Continued driving
with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause ex-
cessive heat build-up and possibly a
fire.

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Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water
layer on the road, aquaplaning may
occur, even at low speeds and with new
tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track
grooves in the road and apply brakes
cautiously in the rain.
Tire Traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered
or icy road is always lower than on a
dry road.
You should pay particular attention to
the condition of the road whenever the
outside temperatures are close to the
freezing point.
Warning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire
traction will be substantially
reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
We recommend M + S radial-ply tires
for the winter season for all four wheels
to insure normal balanced handling
characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce
your stopping distance as com-pared
with summer tires. Stopping distance,
however, is still considerably greater
than when the road is wet or dry.
Tire Speed Rating
Your vehicle is factory equipped with an
"H"-rated tire, which has a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km/h). An electronic
speed limiter prevents your vehicle from
exceeding the speed resting.
Notwithstanding tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed, and
prudent driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions should be
employed.
Warning!
Never operate a vehicle at speeds
greater than the maximum speed
rating of the tires with which it is
equipped. Exceeding the maximum
speed for which tires are rated can
lead to sudden tire failure, causing
loss of vehicle control, and
resulting in personal injury and
possible death.
Parking
Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury
as a result of vehicle movement,
before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle always:
1. Keep right foot on brake
pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake
pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to
position "P".
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards
the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering
lock position 0 and remove.
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever parking or leaving the
vehicle. In addition, move selector
lever to position "P".
When parking on hills, always set the
parking brake.

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Winter Driving Instructions
The most important rule for slippery or
icy roads is to drive sensibly and to
avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not use the
cruise control system under such
conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, move selector lever to
position "N". Try to keep the vehicle
under control by corrective steering
action.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased
pedal force may become necessary to
produce the normal brake effect. We
therefore recommend depressing the
brake pedal periodically when traveling
at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal. A
prerequisite is, however, that this is
done without endangering other drivers
on the road.
If the vehicle is parked after being
driven on salt treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while
observing the safety rules in the
previous paragraph.
Warning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow,
make sure that snow is kept clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around
the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air
ventilation, open a window slightly
on the side of the car that is out of
the wind
Passenger Compartment
Warning!
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking
or sudden maneuvers, loose items
will be thrown around inside the
vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.

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Operation

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Air Outlets Dust Filter
1Air volume control for left air 5Left center air outlet, adjustable
outlet, turn left open 6Right center air outlet, adjustable Dust particles ( down to a
2Air volume control for left center 7Side air outlet, left and right, adjustable Certain and pollen are filtered
air outlet, turn left open Out before outside air enters
3Air volume control for right center Push-button for center air outlets the passenger compartment
outlet, turn left open 8Heated air supply ( red indicator) through the air distribution
4Air volume control for right air 9Non-heated/cooled air supply (blue indicator) system.
outlet, turn left to open
Basic mode:
None of the push-buttons (8 or 9) is pressed.