2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class engine

187 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently
while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the
cruise control may be exceeded. In this case the
automatic transmission shifts down (max. to 3rd gear)
to maintain the set cruise control speed by using the
engine’s braking power.As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position.
Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control
is switched off.
Use the lever to resume the previously set speed.

189 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamps for the ESP are
combined with the BAS malfunction indicator lamp.
The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster come on with the key in steering lock
position 2 and should go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
permanently while the engine is running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. As a result, it is
possible that now only partial engine output will be
available, and pressing the accelerator pedal will
require more effort. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the BAS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
BAS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP is also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If a BAS warning message is displayed, have the BAS
and ESP checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.

191 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine
running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp symbol and
warning in the instrument cluster comes on while the
engine is running, it indicates that the ABS has detected
a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the
brake system functions in the usual manner, but
without antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.
If the ABS malfunction indicator light stays illuminated,
have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible. Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction made available by the road conditions. The
ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or aquaplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.

192 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash when ESP is in
operation.Important!
If the ESP warning lampv flashes:
• During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
• While driving ease up on the accelerator.
• Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
• Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised
(see page 241), the engine must be shut off (key in
steering lock position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel
brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or aquaplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.

193 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is combined
with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the
key in steering lock position 2. They should go out with
the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
permanently with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on,
have the BAS or ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire outside diameter.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.

194 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ESP control switch
ESP control switch located in center console.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning lampv, located in the
speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated.With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
A portion of the ESP system remains active, even with
the switch in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds
up to approxim ately 24 mph (40 km /h ), a nd sw itches of f
at 50 mph (80 km/h).
Wa r n i n g !
When the ESP warning lamp is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.

198 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
At speeds between approximately 35 mph (60 km/h)
and 60 mph (95 km/h) the vehicle chassis is lowered to
its normal level.
At speeds above approximately 60 mph (95 km/h) the
vehicle chassis is lowered an additional one half inch
(15 mm).
Notes:
When exceeding approximately 35 mph (60 km/h), the
system will switch from option 2 to option 1. Only one
indicator lamp will be illuminated.
When exceeding approximately 60 mph (95 km/h) the
system will switch from option 1 to Normal Level. The
indicator lamp will go out.
If speed exceeds approx. 35 mph (60 km/h) but does not
exceed 60 mph (95 km/h), the system will switch from
option 2 to option 1 when vehicle speeds drop below
approximately 35 mph (60 km/h).
If speed does not exceed 35 mph (60 km/h), the system
will switch from option 2 to option 1 when driving on
after the vehicle has been stopped.Wheel change switch (2)
Prior to changing a wheel, depress wheel change switch
with engine running. The indicator lamp in the switch
and ADS malfunction indicator lamp light up. The
presently selected level option cannot be changed now.
After activating the wheel change switch turn off the
engine.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not drive the vehicle while the wheel change
switch is activated since the vehicle suspension
will not function properly.

199 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(SL 600 only)
Depending upon road surface conditions, load, driving
style, ADS will automatically adjust the optimal ride
firmness.
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on with the key
in steering lock position 2 and should go out with the
engine running.
If the malfunction indicator lamp stays on after the
engine is running or comes on while driving, then the
system has detected a malfunction.
Have the ADS checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the malfunction indicator lamp
will light up when the engine is running.
Turn the steering wheel from full left to full right lock
position. The light should go out. Adaptive damping system adjustment
The switch is located in the center console.
1Firm dampening program. This setting should be
used for sporty driving. During the setting for sporty
driving the indicator lamp in the switch lights up.
2Soft dampening program. This setting should be
used for regular driving.