Mercedes Benz Automobile SL Class User Manual

Operator’s Manual

SL-Class

SL 500

SL 55 AMG

SL 600

SL 65 AMG

Our company and staff congratulate you

on the purchase of your new

Mercedes-Benz.

Please read this manual carefully, then

return it to your vehicle where it will be

handy for your reference.

Your selection of our product is a demon-

stration of your trust in our company

name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your de-

sire to own an automobile that will be as

easy as possible to operate and provide

years of service.

Please follow the recommendations

contained in this manual. They are de-

signed to acquaint you with the opera-

tion of your Mercedes-Benz.

Please pay attention to the warnings

and cautions contained in this manual.

They are designed to help improve the

safety of the vehicle operator and oc-

cupants.

Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef-

forts of many skilled engineers and crafts-

men. To help assure your driving pleasure,

and also the safety of you and your passen-

gers, we ask you to make a small invest-

ment of time:

We extend our best wishes for many miles

of safe, pleasurable driving.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents

Introduction.......................................... 9 At a glance.......................................... 21 Getting started................................... 33

Product information................................ 9 Cockpit................................................. 22 Unlocking............................................. 34

Operator’s Manual............................... 10 Instrument cluster................................ 24

Service and warranty information .. 10 Multifunction steering wheel ................ 28

Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 34

Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 35

Starter switch positions.................. 36

Important notice for California

retail buyers and lessees of

Center console ..................................... 29

Upper part ...................................... 29 Adjusting.............................................. 39

Mercedes-Benz automobiles.......... 11

Lower part ...................................... 30

Seats .............................................. 39

Steering wheel................................ 42

Mirrors............................................ 43

Driving.................................................. 45

Fastening the seat belts ................. 45

Starting the engine ......................... 48

Switching on headlamps................. 51

Turn signals .................................... 52

Windshield wipers........................... 53

Problems while driving.................... 55

Parking and locking.............................. 56

Parking brake ................................. 57

Switching off headlamps................. 57

Turning off the engine..................... 58

Emergency engine shut-down......... 60

Maintenance .................................. 12 Overhead control panel ........................ 31

Roadside Assistance...................... 12 Door control panel................................ 32

Change of address or ownership.... 12

Operating your vehicle outside the

USA or Canada............................... 13

Where to find it.................................... 14

Symbols............................................... 15

Operating safety.................................. 16

Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16

Problems with your vehicle.................. 17

Reporting safety defects...................... 18

Reporting safety defects................ 18

Vehicle data recording......................... 19

Information regarding electronic

recording devices........................... 19

Contents

Memory function ............................... 120

Storing positions into memory..... 121

Recalling positions from memory. 121

Storing exterior rear view mirror

Safety and Security........................... 61 Controls in detail............................... 93

Occupant safety................................... 62 Locking and unlocking......................... 94

Airbags........................................... 63

Seat belts....................................... 69

Roll bar........................................... 73

Children in the vehicle.................... 74

Panic alarm.......................................... 78

Activating ....................................... 78

Deactivating ................................... 78

Driving safety systems......................... 79

ABS ................................................ 80

SmartKey ....................................... 94

SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ........ 98

Opening the doors from the inside 106

Opening the trunk ........................ 107

Closing the trunk.......................... 109

Trunk lid emergency release ........ 109

Automatic central locking ............ 110

Locking and unlocking from the

parking position ........................... 121

Lighting ............................................ 123

Exterior lamp switch .................... 123

Combination switch ..................... 128

Hazard warning flasher ................ 128

Interior lighting ............................ 129

Courtesy lighting.......................... 130

Instrument cluster............................. 131

Instrument cluster illumination .... 131

Coolant temperature gauge ......... 131

Trip odometer .............................. 132

Tachometer.................................. 132

Outside temperature indicator..... 133

Control system .................................. 134

Multifunction display.................... 134

Multifunction steering wheel........ 135

Menus.......................................... 137

Standard display menu ................ 139

AUDIO menu................................ 139

NAV menu.................................... 142

Distronic* menu .......................... 142

inside ........................................... 111

BAS ................................................ 81 Seats ................................................. 113

ESP................................................. 82

SBC brake system.......................... 85

Anti-theft systems................................ 88

Immobilizer..................................... 88

Anti-theft alarm system.................. 88

Tow-away alarm ............................. 90

Easy-entry/exit feature ............... 113

Moving the seats forward and

backward ..................................... 115

Lumbar support............................ 115

Multicontour backrest*

(standard on SL 600, SL 55 AMG,

and SL 65 AMG)........................... 116

Seat heating................................. 117

Seat ventilation*

(standard on SL 600 and

SL 65 AMG).................................. 119

Contents

Vehicle status message memory

menu............................................ 143

Settings menu.............................. 144

Trip computer menu..................... 159

TEL menu* ................................... 161

Automatic transmission..................... 164

One-touch gearshifting................. 166

Gear ranges ................................. 167

Gear selector lever position ......... 168

Automatic shift program .............. 170

Driving tips................................... 171

Steering wheel gearshift control

Automatic climate control .................. 182 Driving systems.................................. 205

Setting the temperature................ 185

Adjusting air volume ..................... 185

Adjusting air distribution............... 186

Maximum cooling MAXCOOL........ 186

Cruise control............................... 205

Distronic* ..................................... 208

Active Body Control (ABC) ............ 220

Parktronic* (Parking assist).......... 223

Defrosting windshield ................... 187 Useful features................................... 228

Air recirculation mode .................. 187

Rear window defroster.................. 189

Residual heat and ventilation........ 190

Deactivating the automatic

Storage compartments................. 228

Ashtray ......................................... 233

Cigarette lighter............................ 233

Heated steering wheel*

climate control system ................. 191

Air conditioning............................. 191

Ventilated storage compartments. 192

Power windows .................................. 193

Opening and closing the windows. 193

Synchronizing power windows...... 195

(SL 500, SL 600)........................... 234

Load assist in the trunk ................ 235

Electrical outlet............................. 236

Telephone*................................... 236

Tele Aid......................................... 237

Garage door opener...................... 246

(Speedshift).................................. 172

Manual shift program

SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG ......... 175

Emergency operation

(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 177 Retractable hardtop............................ 196

Good visibility .................................... 178

Headlamp cleaning system .......... 178

Rear window defroster................. 178

Rear view mirrors......................... 178

Sun visors .................................... 180

Opening and closing the

retractable hardtop....................... 196

Contents

At the gas station .............................. 267

Refuelling ..................................... 267

Check regularly and before a

long trip........................................ 269

Engine compartment ......................... 270

Hood ............................................ 270

Engine oil ..................................... 272

Maximum tire load....................... 301

Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 302

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Standards (U.S. vehicles)............. 302

Tire ply material ........................... 304

Tire and loading terminology........ 305

Rotating tires ............................... 308

Operation ......................................... 253

The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 254

Driving instructions............................ 255

Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 255

Drinking and driving ..................... 255

Pedals .......................................... 255

Power assistance ......................... 256

Brakes.......................................... 256

Driving off..................................... 258

Parking......................................... 259

Tires ............................................. 259

Hydroplaning................................ 260

Tire traction.................................. 261

Tire speed rating .......................... 261

Winter driving instructions ........... 262

Standing water............................. 263

Passenger compartment .............. 264

Driving abroad.............................. 264

Control and operation of radio

Transmission fluid level................ 275 Winter driving .................................... 309

Oil level in the ABC system .......... 275

Coolant ........................................ 276

Battery ......................................... 277

Windshield washer system and

Winter tires .................................. 309

Block heater (Canada only).......... 310

Snow chains................................. 310

Maintenance...................................... 312

Clearing the maintenance service

indicator....................................... 313

Maintenance service term

headlamp cleaning system........... 278

Tires and wheels................................ 279

Important guidelines .................... 279

Tire care and maintenance........... 280

Direction of rotation..................... 282

Loading the vehicle ...................... 282

Recommended tire inflation

exceeded ..................................... 313

Calling up the maintenance

service indicator .......................... 313

Resetting the maintenance

pressure....................................... 288

service indicator .......................... 314

transmitters.................................. 264

Catalytic converter....................... 265

Emission control........................... 265

Coolant temperature.................... 266

Checking tire inflation pressure ... 290 Vehicle care....................................... 315

Tire labeling.................................. 295

Load identification ....................... 299

DOT, Tire Identification Number

Cleaning and care of the vehicle.. 315

(TIN) ............................................. 300

Contents

Replacing wiper blades....................... 386

Removing wiper blades................. 386

Installing wiper blades .................. 387

Flat tire............................................... 388

Preparing the vehicle .................... 388

Sealing tires with TIREFIT.............. 388

Mounting the spare wheel ............ 393

Batteries............................................. 401

Disconnecting the batteries.......... 403

Removing the batteries................. 404

Charging and reinstalling

batteries ....................................... 404

Reconnecting the batteries........... 405

Jump starting...................................... 406

Towing the vehicle.............................. 408

Installing towing eye bolt.............. 411

Fuses.................................................. 412

Main fuse box ............................... 412

Practical hints ................................. 323

What to do if … .................................. 324

Lamps in the instrument cluster .. 324

AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ......... 334

Vehicle status messages in the

multifunction display.................... 335

Where will I find ...? ........................... 372

First aid kit................................... 372

Vehicle tool kit, jack, and

spare wheel.................................. 372

Locking/unlocking in an emergency . 374

Unlocking the vehicle................... 374

Locking the vehicle ...................... 376

Lowering the load assist manually 376

Replacing batteries in the

Technical data.................................. 415

Parts service ...................................... 416

Warranty coverage ............................. 417

Loss of Service and Warranty

Information Booklet...................... 417

Identification labels............................ 418

Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 419

SL 500.......................................... 419

SL 55 AMG ................................... 419

SL 600, SL 65 AMG ...................... 419

Engine ................................................ 420

Rims and tires .................................... 422

Same size tires ............................. 423

Mixed size tires............................. 425

Spare wheel.................................. 427

Electrical system................................ 428

Main dimensions ................................ 429

Weights .............................................. 430

SmartKey/SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* .............................. 377

Replacing bulbs ................................. 380

Bulbs............................................ 380

Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 383

Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 385

Contents

Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 431

Capacities .................................... 431

Engine oils.................................... 433

Engine oil additives ...................... 433

Air conditioner refrigerant............ 433

Brake fluid.................................... 433

Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 434

Fuel requirements ........................ 434

Gasoline additives ........................ 435

Coolants....................................... 435

Windshield and headlamp washer

Technical terms............................... 439

Index................................................. 445

system.......................................... 438

Introduction

Product information

̄ Product information

Please observe the following in your own

best interest:

We are unable to make an assessment for Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts as well as

other products and therefore cannot be

held responsible for them, even if in indi-

conversion parts and accessories ap-

proved by us are available at your autho-

We recommend using genuine

vidual cases an official approval or authori- rized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will

zation by governmental or other agencies receive comprehensive information, also

should exist. Use of such parts and acces- on permissible technical modifications,

Mercedes-Benz parts as well as conversion

parts and accessories explicitly approved

by us for your vehicle model.

sories could adversely affect the safety,

performance or reliability of your vehicle.

Please do not use them.

and where proper installation will be per-

formed.

We have tested these parts to determine

their reliability, safety and special suitabili-

ty for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

This Operator’s Manual contains a great

We continuously strive to improve our

Service and warranty information

deal of useful information. We urge you to product, and ask for your understanding

The Service and Warranty Information

Booklet contains detailed information

about the warranties covering your

Mercedes-Benz, including:

read it carefully and familiarize yourself

with the vehicle before driving.

that we reserve the right to make changes

in design and equipment. Therefore, infor-

mation, illustrations, and descriptions in

this Operator’s Manual might differ from

your vehicle.

For your own safety and longer service life

of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the in-

structions and warnings contained in this

New Car Limited Warranty,

Emission System Warranty,

Emission Performance Warranty,

manual. Ignoring them could result in dam- Optional equipment is also described in

age to the vehicle or personal injury to you this manual, including operating instruc-

or others. Vehicle damage caused by fail-

tions wherever necessary. Since they are

ure to follow instructions is not covered by special-order items, the descriptions and

California, Maine, Massachusetts, and

Vermont Emission Control System

Warranty

the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

illustrations herein may vary slightly from

the actual equipment of your vehicle.

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 au-

thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be

glad to demonstrate the proper proce-

dures.

(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and

Vermont only),

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.

State Warranty Enforcement Laws

(Lemon Laws).

The Operator’s Manual and Maintenance

Booklet are important documents and

should be kept with the vehicle.

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Important notice for California

retail buyers and lessees of

Mercedes-Benz automobiles

(1) the same substantial defect or mal-

function results in a condition that is

likely to cause death or serious bodily

injury if the vehicle is driven, that de-

fect or malfunction has been subject to

repair two or more times, and you have

directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA,

LLC in writing of the need for its repair,

(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason

of repair of the same or different sub-

stantial defects or malfunctions for a

cumulative total of more than

Under California law you may be entitled to

a replacement of your vehicle or a refund

of the purchase price or lease price, if

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its au-

thorized repair or service facilities fail to fix

one or more substantial defects or mal-

functions in the vehicle that are covered by

its express warranty after a reasonable

number of repair attempts. During the pe-

riod of 18 months from original delivery of

the vehicle or the accumulation of

30 calender days.

Written notification should be sent to us,

not a dealer, at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC,

Customer Assistance Center, One

Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ

07645-0350.

(2) the same substantial defect or mal-

function of a less serious nature than

category (1) has been subject to repair

four or more times and you have direct-

ly notified us in writing of the need for

its repair, or

18000 miles (approx. 29000 km) on the

odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs

first, a reasonable number of repair at-

tempts is presumed for a retail buyer or

lessee if one or more of the following oc-

curs:

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Maintenance

Roadside Assistance

Change of address or ownership

The Maintenance Booklet describes all the The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance

If you change your address, be sure to

necessary maintenance work whichshould Program provides factory trained technical send in the “Change of Address Notice”

be performed at regular intervals.

help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to found in the Service and Warranty Informa-

the toll-free Roadside Assistance number: tion Booklet, or simply call the

Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance

Always have the Maintenance Booklet with

you when you take the vehicle to your au- 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)

thorized Mercedes-Benz Center for ser-

vice. The service advisor will record each

service in the booklet for you.

Center (in the USA) at

1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Ser-

vice (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in

your own interest that we can contact you

should the need arise.

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz

Customer Assistance Representatives

24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For additional information refer to the

Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance

Program brochure in your vehicle literature

portfolio.

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all

literature with the vehicle to make it avail-

able to the next operator.

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to

send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used

Car” found in the Service and Warranty In-

formation Booklet, or call the

Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-

ter (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes,

or Customer Service (in Canada) at

1-800-387-0100.

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Operating your vehicle outside the USA Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail-

or Canada

able for delivery in Europe under our Euro-

pean Delivery Program. For details, consult

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or

write to:

If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-

eign countries, please be aware that:

Service facilities or replacement parts

may not be readily available,

In the USA:

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

European Delivery Department

One Mercedes Drive

unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-

alytic converters may not be available;

the use of leaded fuels will damage the

catalysts,

Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

In Canada:

gasoline may have a considerably low-

er octane rating, and improper fuel can

cause engine damage.

Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.

European Delivery Department

98 Vanderhoof Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

Introduction

Where to find it

This Operator’s Manual is designed to pro-

vide comprehensive support information

for you, the vehicle operator. For you to

find information quickly each section has

its own reference color:

Controls in detail

Technical data

Here you will find detailed information

about the equipment installed on your ve- cle can be found in this section.

hicle. This section expands on the “Getting

All important technical data for your vehi-

started” section and also describes techni-

Indexes

cal innovations. If you are already familiar

with the basic functions of your vehicle,

this section will be of particular interest to

you.

At a glance

The glossary provides explanations of the

most important technical terms.

Here you will find an overview of all the

controls that can be operated from the

driver’s seat.

The table of contents and the index are de-

signed to help you find information quickly

and easily.

Operation

Getting started

The following publications are part of your

vehicle documentation:

Here you will find all the information you

need for the proper operation of your vehi-

cle.

Here you will find all the information you

need for your first drive. You should read

this section first if this is your first

Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are rent-

ing or borrowing this vehicle.

this Operator’s Manual

the Maintenance Booklet

Practical hints

Separate operating instructions will be

provided as required depending on the

equipment options installed in your vehi-

cle.

This section provides fast assistance for

dealing with problems you may encounter.

Safety and Security

Here you will find descriptions of the safety

features in your vehicle.

Introduction

Symbols

̄ Symbols

The following symbols are found in this

Operator’s Manual:

̈ This symbol points to instructions for

Warning!

you to follow.

Optional equipment is identified

with an asterisk. Since standard

equipment varies between models,

the descriptions and illustrations in

this manual may differ slightly from

the actual equipment of your vehi-

cle.

̈ A number of these symbols appearing

in succession indicates a multiple-step

procedure.

Warning notices draw your attention to haz-

ards that may endanger your health or life,

or the health or life of others.

୴ Page This symbol tells you where to

look for further information on a

topic.

Highlights hazards that may result in

damage to your vehicle.

୴୴

This continuation symbol marks

an interrupted procedure which

will be continued on the next

page.

Helpful hints or further information you

may find useful.

In the glossary of technical

terms, this symbol is used to in-

dicate cross-references to term

definitions.

Display Words appearing in the multi-

function display are printed in

the type shown here.

Introduction

Operating safety

Proper use of the vehicle

Warning!

Proper use of the vehicle requires that you

are familiar with the following information

and rules:

Work improperly carried out on electronic

components and associated software could

cause them to cease functioning. Because

the vehicle’s electronic components are in-

terconnected, any modifications made may

produce an undesired effect on other sys-

tems. Electronic malfunctions could seri-

ously impair the operating safety of your

vehicle.

Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody

or tires/wheels, for example when running

over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,

may cause serious damage and impair the

operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a

sudden significant vibration or ride distur-

bance, or you suspect that damage to your

vehicle has occurred, you should turn on

your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow

down, and drive with caution to an area

which is a safe distance from the road.

the safety precautions in this manual

the “Technical data” section in this

manual

traffic rules and regulations

motor vehicle laws and safety stan-

dards

See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

for repairs or modifications to electronic

components.

Warning

Inspect the vehicle underbody and

tires/wheels for possible damage. If the ve-

hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the

nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

or other qualified maintenance or repair fa-

cility for further inspection or repairs.

Other improper work or modifications on the

vehicle could also have a negative impact on

the operating safety of the vehicle.

Various warning labels are attached to your

vehicle. These warning labels are intended

to make you and others aware of various

risks. You should not remove any of these

warning labels unless explicitly instructed to

do so by information on the label itself. Re-

moval of any of these labels may cause you

and others to be unaware of certain risks

which may result in an accident and/or per-

sonal injury.

Some safety systems only function while the

engine is running. You should therefore nev-

er turn off the engine while driving.

Introduction

Problems with your vehicle

̄ Problems with your vehicle

If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to

immediately contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is

not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if necessary contact us

at one of the following addresses:

In the USA:

Customer Assistance Center

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

One Mercedes Drive

Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

In Canada:

Customer Relations Department

Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.

98 Vanderhoof Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

Introduction

Reporting safety defects

For the USA only:

The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the

“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.

Reporting safety defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform

the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it

may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,

or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or

write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor ve-

hicle safety from the Hotline.

Introduction

Vehicle data recording

̄ Vehicle data recording

Information regarding electronic

recording devices

(Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951)

Please note that your vehicle is equipped with devices that can record vehicle systems data and, if equipped with the Tele Aid system,

may transmit some data in certain accidents.

This information helps, for example, to diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and to continuously improve vehicle safety.

DaimlerChrysler may access the information and share it with others

for safety research or vehicle diagnosis purposes

with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee

in response to an official request by law enforcement or other government agency

for use in dispute resolution involving DaimlerChrysler, its affiliates or sales/service organization and/or

as otherwise required or permitted by law.

Please check the Tele Aid subscription service agreement for details regarding the information that may be recorded or transmitted

via that system.