Mercedes-Benz S420 Operator's Manual

1Mercedes-BenzOperator's ManualS320S 420S 500

10Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see specified pages1Adjustable air outlet19Storage/eyeglasses compartment2Exterior lamp swit

100Trunk Lamp1 Switching off2 Switching onSwitch off (1) trunk lamp if the trunk isto remain open for along period oftime. This prevents the vehicle b

101Vehicle Jack1 Jack arm2 Jack baseSee illustration for proper storage ofjack.Before storing the jack on the felt inthe spare wheel well, the jack ar

102WheelsReplace rims or tires with the samedesignation, manufacturer and type asshown on the original part. See yourauthorized Mercedes-Benz dealer f

103tire beads. For this reason, check rimsfor damage at regular intervals. The rimflanges must be checked for wearbefore a tire is mounted. Remove bur

1045. Remove the protective coverfrom the jack support tubeopening by inserting a screwdriver in the opening and pryingit out.The tube openings are lo

10511. Install spare wheel on wheel hub.Insert wheel bolts and tighten themslightly.To avoid paint damage, placewheel flat against hub and hold itther

106Tire Inflation PressureA table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tireinflation pressures specified forsummer and winter tires as well as forthe vary

107BatteryThe maintenance-free battery is locatedin the trunk behind the right-hand coverpanel.The service life of the battery is alsodependent on its

108Exterior LampsWhen replacing bulbs, install only 12volt bulbs with the specified wattratingHeadlamp Assembly1 Cover for low beam headlampbulb and f

109Replacing bulb:When replacing halogen bulbs do nottouch glass portion of bulb with barehands. Use plain paper or a clean cloth.Warning!Halogen lamp

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1101 Latch for turn signal, parking, sidemarker and standing lampassembly2 Bulb socket for turn signal, parking,side marker and standing lamp3 Tab4 Gu

111Vertical headlamp aim:Depress latch (1) and removecover (2).Turn adjusting screw (3) (counter-clockwise to adjust headlampdownward, clockwise upwar

112Taillamp Assemblies1 Turn signal lamp(21 W/32 cp bulb)2 Stop, side marker lamp(21/4 W/35/1.2 cp bulb)3 Tail, parking, standing lamp(5 W bulb)4 Driv

113High Mounted Stop Lamp(H2 [20 W] bulb)To replace the bulb, press tabs on bothsides (arrows) to release cover.Turn bulb socket with bulbcounterclock

114Jump StartingIf the battery is discharged, the engineshould be started with jumper cablesand the (12 V) battery of anothervehicle.The battery is lo

115Important!5. Start engine of the vehicle withthe charged battery and run athigh idle. Then start engine ofthe disabled vehicle in theusual manner.6

116Towing the VehicleThe rear towing eye is located at theright, below the bumper. The fronttowing eye is located on the passengerside behind a flap i

117Cleaning and Care of the VehicleWarning!Many cleaning products can behazardous. Some are poisonous,others are flammable. Always followthe instructi

118Engine CleaningPrior to cleaning the enginecompartment make sure to protectelectrical components and connectorsfrom the intrusion of water or clean

119Plastic Parts, Headliner and RubberPartsDo not use oil or wax on these parts.See separate subject for additionalinformation.Seat BeltsThe webbing m

12Instrument Cluster1Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index9Trip odometer. See Index2Coolant temperature gauge. See Index10Main odom

120Paintwork, Painted BodyComponentsMB-Gloss Preserver should be appliedwhen water drops on the paint surfacedo not "bead up"; normally in 3

121Testing Infrared Remote ControlChecking Batteries:If the transmit button (1) is pressedlonger than 1 second, the batteryindicator lamp in the trans

122Front Head RestraintsRemoval:Push button (1) up to bring the headrestraint to its highest position.Depress release button (2) beneath theseatback c

123Manual Closing of Trunk LidThe trunk l i d can be closed manuallyshould a malfunction occur on thepower closing system.With the trunk lid open:push

124Replacing Wiper BladesFor safety reasons, remove key fromsteering lock before replacing a wiperblade, otherwise the motor cansuddenly turn on and c

125Headlamp Wiper BladesRemoval:Fold wiper arm forward. Push pin (1)and remove wiper blade.Installation:Place wiper blade on wiper arm andpress in pin

126Roof FlackUse only those roof racks approvedby Mercedes-Benz to avoid damage tothe vehicle. Follow manufacturer'sinstallation instructions.Mou

127Rear Seat CushionRemoval: Push in locking tabs (1) (onleft and right side of seat) and pull upseat at the front.Installation: Slide rear edge of cu

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129Technical Data

13Indicator Lamp SymbolsFunction Indicator LampHigh beamBattery not being charged properly. See Index.Warning Lamp(should go out with the engine runni

130Identification PlatesWhen ordering spare parts, pleasespecify vehicle identification and enginenumbers.1 Vehicle Identification No.2 Certification

131Loss of Owner's Service andWarranty PolicyShould you lose your Owner's Serviceand Warranty Policy Booklet, haveyour authorized MERCEDES-B

132Technical Data 320 S Rims – TiresModel S 320 (140 032)1Rims (light alloy rims) 71/² J x 16 H 2Model S 320 (140 034)1Wheel offset 51 mm (2.0 in)Engi

133Technical Data S 320Main DimensionsWeightsSee certification tagModelS 320 (140.032)Roof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 5213 mm (2

134Technical Data S 420 Rims – TiresModel S 400 (140 043)1Rims (light alloy rims) 71/² J x 16 H 2Wheel offset51 mm (2.0 in)Engine119 Summer tires:Mode

135Technical Data S 420WeightsSee certification tagMain DimensionsRoof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 5213 mm (205.2 in)Trunk load m

136Technical Data S 500 Rims – TiresModel S 500 (140 051)1Rims (light alloy rims) 71/² J x 16 H 2Wheel offset51 mm (2.0 in)Engine119 Summer tires:Mode

137Technical Data S 500WeightsSee certification tagMain DimensionsRoof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 5213 mm (205.2 in)Trunk load m

138Fuels , Coolants, Lubricants etc. - CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective lubricants must match.Therefore use only brands tested and re

139ModelCapacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Power steering approx. 1.4 US qt (1.3 l) MB Power steering fluidFront wheel hubs approx. 2.1 oz (60 g

14Catalytic ConverterYour MERCEDES-BENZ is equippedwith monolithic type catalytic converters,an important element in conjunction withthe O2sensor to a

140Engine OilsEngine oils are specifically tested fortheir suitability in our engines.Therefore, use only engine oilsrecommended by Mercedes-Benz.Info

141Fuel RequirementsUse only Premium unleaded meetingASTM standard D 439:The octane number (posted at thepump) must be 91min. It is an averageof both,

142Therefore the following product isstrongly recommended for use in yourcar: Mercedes-BenzAnticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent.Before the start of the wint

143Consumer InformationThis has been prepared as required of allmanufacturers of passenger cars underTitle 49, Code of U.S. FederalRegulations, Part 5

144Problems with your VehicleIf you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believemay affect its safe operation, we

145For the U.S.A. only.The following text is published as required of manufacturersunder Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575pursuant

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147Index:

148ABS 77, 79, 88Acceleration slip regulation (ASR)90Activated charcoal filter 27Adaptive damping system (ADS)92ADS 92, 107, 138Air conditioner refrig

149First aid kit 130FuelFuel requirements 141Gasoline additives 141Premium unleaded gasoline 14, 139-140Fuel consumption gauge 83Fuel filler flap, man

15Starting and Turning off the EngineStarter Lock-OutImportant!The engine can only be started, if thevehicle was unlocked from the outside.Before Star

150Safety guidelines for the seat belt,emergency tensioning retractorand airbag54Seat belt warning lamp86Seat belts and warning system47Shelf below re

151Service and LiteratureYour authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has trainedtechnicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to serviceyour vehicle properly.

152Check Regularly and Before a Long TripThe engine compartment ofmodel S 500 is illustrated.1 Fuel SupplyTo add fuel turn cap to the leftand hold on

153What You Should Know at the Gas Station• Fuel:Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane index91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON).Fuel tank capacity ap

16Driving InstructionsPower AssistanceWarning!When the engine is not running, thebrake and steering systems arewithout power assistance. Underthese ci

17TiresTread wear indicators (TWI) arerequired by law. These indicators arelocated in six places on the treadcircumference and become visible at adept

18Tire TractionThe safe speed on a wet, snow coveredor icy road is always lower than on adry road.You should pay particular attention tothe condition

19Winter Driving InstructionsThe most important rule for slippery oricy roads is to drive sensibly and toavoid abrupt acceleration, braking andsteerin

2Product informationKindly observe the following in your own best interest:We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts

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21Operation

22Air Outlets1 Air volume controlfor left air outlet,turn left to open2 Air volume controlfor left center air outlet, turn left toopen3 Air volume con

23Automatic Climate ControlLeft side passenger compartment:1 Temperature selector2 Temperature display3 Automatic mode4 Air distribution buttons5 Defr

24The temperature selected with thetemperature selector is reached asquickly as possible.The temperature selector should be leftat the desired tempera

256 Residual Engine HeatUtilizationWith the engine switched off, it ispossible to continue heating the interiorfor a short while. The rear passengerco

268 Air Volume SelectorThe air volume is automaticallyregulated inAUTO = Normal settingand all intermediate positions, exceptwhen selectingMIN = minim

27Rear Passenger CompartmentClimate Control1 Temperature selector, left side2 Temperature selector, right sideA basic setting in the white field of th

28Car KeysIncluded with your vehicle are• 2 Master keys with infraredremote control• 1 Master key• 1 Valet key• 1 Flat keyInfrared Remote Control with

29Infrared Remote ControlStarter Lock-Out Important!Locking the vehicle activates the starterlock-out.The engine can only be started, if thevehicle wa

3Operator's manualThis Operator's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yours

303 Receiver next to trunk lockLocking:Aim transmitter eye (2) at a receiver(3) and press transmit button (1).Distance to receiver max. 20 ft (6 m).Th

31Closing Windows and Sliding/ Pop-Up Roof from OutsideContinue to press transmit button (1)after locking car. Distance to receivermax. 20 ft. (6 m).T

32Central Locking SystemThe entire vehicle may be locked orunlocked by either using the masterkey in the door or trunk locks, orcentral locking switch

33When you lock the car, all door lockbuttons should move down. If any onestays up, the respective door is notproperly closed.You should then unlock t

34Door lock, left and trunk lockPower Windows and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof1 Closing2 Interrupting3 OpeningDoor lock, rightWhen locking doors or trunk, turn

35Power Closing Assist for Doors andTrunk LidThe doors and trunk lid closeautomatically if:• doors are pushed against the lock,• trunk lid is lowered

361 Indicator lamp in switch located incenter consoleAnti-Theft Alarm SystemThe anti-theft alarm is automaticallyarmed or disarmed with any of yourveh

37Power Seats, FrontWarning!Do not adjust the driver's seat whiledriving. Adjusting the seat whiledriving could cause the driver tolose control o

38F Memory buttonG Position buttonsStoring seat/head restraint/ steeringwheel/exterior and inside rear viewmirror positions in memory:Three sets of se

39Important!Bring seat backrest to upright positionbefore recalling a stored seat/headrestraint/steering wheel/exterior andinside rear view mirror pos

4Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobilesUnder California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle o

40Lumbar Support1 Pressure regulatorThe seats have an inflatable aircushion built into the backrest toprovide additional lumbar support.The inflation

41Heated SeatsThe front seat heater switches arelocated to the left and right side of thecenter console ashtray.The rear seat heater switches arelocat

42Armrest with Compartmentfor Telephone Handset(Front Seats)1 Armrest folded down2 Normal use(3 comfort positions)3 Armrest folded upFolding down:Rais

43.Power Seats, RearThe seats can be adjusted using theslide switches located in either of therear doors.Turn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (

44.Armrest with Integrated StorageCompartment (Rear Bench Seat)Pull down the armrest by its strap.Before storing the armrest in thebackrest, close its

45Switch on center consolePower Head Restraints, RearTurn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or frontpassenger's door

46Adjustable Steering WheelTurn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or frontpassenger's door open, the steeringwheel c

47Seat Belts and SupplementalRestraint System (SRS)Your vehicle is equipped with lap-shoulder seat belts, emergencytensioning retractors for the seat

481 Latch plate2 Buckle3 Release buttonFastening of Seat BeltsPush latch plate (1) into buckle (2)until it clicks.The lap belt should be positioned as

49Warning!USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY.• Each occupant should wear theirseat belt at all times, because seatbelts help reduce the likelihood ofand potentia

5Change of address or ownershipIf you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Owner's Servi

50• According to accident statistics,children are safer when properlyrestrained in the rear seatingpositions than in the front seatingpositions.• Chil

51AirbagsThe most effective occupant restraintsystem yet developed for use inproduction vehicles is the three pointseat belt. In some cases, however,

52The following system components aremonitored or undergo a self-check:crash-sensor, airbag ignition circuits,driver and passenger seat belt buckles.I

53Important!The "SRS" is designed to reduce thepotential of injury in certain frontaland front-angled impacts which maycause injuries; howev

54Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt,Emergency Tensioning Retractorand AirbagWarning!• Damaged belts or belts that werehighly stressed in an accident

55Infants and Child RestraintSystemsWe recommend that all infants andchildren be restrained at all times whilethe vehicle is in motion.Important!The u

56Steering Lock0 The key can be withdrawn in thisposition only. The steering islocked with the key removedfrom the steering lock. The keycan be remove

57Combination Switch1 Low beam (exterior lampswitch position )2 High beam (exterior lampswitch position )3 High beam flasher (high beamavailable indep

58Windshield Washer Fluid MixingRatioFor temperatures above freezing:MB Windshield WasherConcentrate "S" and water1 part "S" to 10

59Exterior Lamp SwitchCanada only:When the engine is running, the lowbeam (includes parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license platelamps and

6We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design andequipment. There

60Inside and Exterior Rear ViewMirrorsInside Rear View MirrorThe mirror is electrically adjustable.Use your inside mirror to determine thesize and dis

61Exterior rear view mirror, leftExterior rear view mirror, rightExterior Rear View MirrorsTurn key in steering lock to position 2(with either front d

62Exterior Rear View MirrorMultiple ImagesThis vehicle is equipped with anti-fogging dual-pane side windows toprovide extra insulation against heat,co

63Sun VisorsSwing sun visors down to protectagainst sun glare.If sunlight enters through a sidewindow, disengage visor from innermounting and pivot to

64Interior Lighting1 Interior Lamps (Door contact)A BA Interior lamps are switched on,and off delayed, when unlockingor locking the vehicle, or whenop

65Storage CompartmentsStorage Compartmentsin the Dashboard1 Storage/eyeglassescompartment2 Button for storage/eyeglasses compartment3 Glove box4 Butto

66in center console, frontAshtraysBy touching the top of the coverlightly, the ashtray opens automatically.Prior to removing the ashtray insertmove ge

67Sliding Roof with Rear Pop-UpFeature1 to slide roof open2 to slide roof closed3 to raise roof at rear4 to lower roof at rearTurn key in steering loc

68in center console, frontPower WindowsSwitches for:1 left, front2 left, rear3 right, front4 right, rear5 safety switch6 individual switches (rear doo

69Warning!When closing the windows, be surethat there is no danger of anyonebeing harmed by the closingprocedure.In case of obstruction, the automatic

7Check Regularly and Before a Long TripSee IndexThe First 1000 Miles (1500 km)The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, t

70Rear Window DefrosterThe switch is located in the centerconsole.Turn key in steering lock toposition I or 2.When activating the rear windowdefroster

711 Adjusting knobInstrument LampsRotate adjusting knob (1) to varyintensity of instrument lamps.Display IlluminationPress adjusting knob to brieflyil

72Shelf below Rear WindowWarning!The shelf below the rear windowshould not be used to carry objects.This will prevent such objects frombeing thrown ab

73Driving

74Drinking and DrivingWarning!Drinking and driving can be a verydangerous combination. Even a smallamount of alcohol or drugs can affectyour reflexes,

75Automatic TransmissionThe automatic transmission selectsindividual gears automatically,dependent upon• Selector lever position• Accelerator position

76Selector Lever Positions 320 SLThe automatic gear shifting processcan be adapted to specific operatingconditions using the selector lever.P Parking

77The delayed upshift is effective withvehicle speeds below 31 mph (50km/h) at partial throttle and enginetemperatures below 95°F (35°C).Do not exceed

78Selector Lever Positions S 420, S 500The automatic gear shifting processcan be adapted to specific operatingconditions using the selector lever.P Pa

79negatively affected by this mode ofoperation.The delayed upshift is effective withvehicle speeds below 31 mph (50km/h) at partial throttle and engin

8IntroductionTrunk33 Rear Window Sunshade 69Power window and sliding/Pop-Up roof34 Rear Window Defroster 70Product information 2Power closing assist f

80Rear Fender IndicatorsWhen the reverse gear is selected, therear fender indicators will extendupward from the rear corners of thefenders.The rear fe

813 CancelingTo cancel the cruise control, brieflypush lever to position 3.When you step on the brake or thevehicle speed drops below approx.25 mph (4

82Charge Indicator LampShould the charge indicator lamp fail tocome on prior to starting when the keyis in steering lock position 2 or shouldit fail t

83Engine Oil ConsumptionEngine oil consumption checks shouldonly be made after the break-in period.During the break-in period, higher oilconsumption m

84Fuel Reserve Warning LampsWith the key in steering lock position2, the fuel reserve warning lamp comeson and goes out with the enginerunning.If the

85Low Engine Coolant LevelWarning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the warning lamp comes on and goesout with the engine running.If the wa

86Exterior Lamp Failure IndicatorLampWith the key in steering lock position2, a dim indicator lamp comes on, andgoes out when the engine is running.Wi

87Brake Warning LampThe brake warning lamp will come onwith the key in steering lock position2 and should go out when the engineis running.The brake w

88Antilock Brake System (ABS)The ABS improves steering control ofthe vehicle during brakingmaneuvers. For maximum benefit, donot pump the brake pedal,

89Electronic Traction System(ETS)The ETS improves vehicle traction,especially under slippery roadconditions. It engages at vehicle speedsup to approxi

9Low Windshield and Headlamp Trunk Lamp 100 Rear Seat Cushion 127Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp85 Spare Wheel, Lug Wrench 100MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Part

90Acceleration Slip Control (ASR)The acceleration slip control willengage at all vehicle speeds, if one orboth drive wheels begin to lose tractionand

91ASR control switch located in centerconsoleASR Control SwitchTo improve the vehicle's traction whendriving with snow chains, or startingoff in

92Adaptive Damping System (ADS)Depending upon road surfaceconditions, load, driving style, ADSwill automatically adjust theoptimal ride firmness.The m

93Emission ControlCertain systems of the engine serve tokeep certain components of the exhaustgases within permissible limits requiredby law.These sys

94Traveling AbroadAbroad, there is a widely-spreadMercedes-Benz service network at yourdisposal. If you plan to travel into areaswhich are not listed

95Practical Hints

96HoodTo unlock the hood, pull release lever(1) under the driver's side of theinstrument panel. At the same timehandle (2) will extend out of the

97Checking Coolant LevelTo check the coolant level, the vehiclemust be parked on level ground.Check coolant level only when coolantis cold.The coolant

98Oil level must be betweenthe lower (min) andupper(max) mark of thedipstickDo not overfill engine.Excessive oil must be drained orsiphoned.For low en

99Checking AutomaticTransmission Fluid LevelDipstick locking lever1 Break seal2 Release3 EngageRegular automatic transmission fluidlevel checks are no