Page 187 of 302

183 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center before the onset of winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil 
which is not approved for winter operation. For 
viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity,
see page 277.
• Check engine coolant anticorrosion/antifreeze 
concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp 
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a 
premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze 
which is formulated for below freezing 
temperatures, see page 88.
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing 
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps 
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low 
ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on 
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe 
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
antilock brake system (ABS) or electronic stability 
program (ESP) can only be achieved with M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by 
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
Block heater (for Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Traveling abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service 
network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas 
which are not listed in the index of your Center 
directory, you should request pertinent information 
from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 
     
        
        Page 281 of 302

277 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended 
by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine with oil filter SL 500
SL 6008.5 US qt (8.0 l)
10 . 6  U S  q t  ( 10 . 0  l )Recommended engine oils
Automatic transmission 9.6 US qt (9.1 l) Automatic transmission fluid
Rear axle 1.5 US qt (1.4 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90
Hydraulic system for 
adaptive damping 
system (ADS)approx. 4.8 US qt (4.5 l) MB Hydraulic f luid
Power steering approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) MB Power steering fluid
Front wheel hubs approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 l) MB Brake fluid (DOT 4) 
     
        
        Page 290 of 302

286 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 58
Self-test ......................................................................... 58
Backrest ............................................................................. 48
BAS (Brake assist system)  ............................................ 188
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................207
Battery .............................................................................237
Charge indicator lamp .............................................. 211
Recycling ....................................................................238
Brake assist system (BAS)  ............................................ 188
Brake fluid  ......................................................................279
Capacity ......................................................................277
Brake pad wear indicator lamp ....................................205
Brake warning lamp  ......................................................205
CCatalytic converter  ........................................................ 163
Central locking system  ................................................... 29
Automatic central locking  ......................................... 37
Central locking switch  ............................................... 36
General notes ............................................................... 33
Locking and unlocking 
with remote control  ............................................... 30
Remote control  ..................................................... 28, 29Remote control – changing batteries  .................... 252
Vehicle keys  .................................................................28
Changing wheels ............................................................231
Charge indicator lamp  ................................................... 211
Check engine 
malfunction indicator lamp  .................................... 204
Check regularly and before a long trip ...................... 202
Checking engine oil level  ............................................ 222
Checking engine oil level indicator  .............................. 82
Cleaning and care of the vehicle  ................................ 262
Clock .................................................................................. 79
Combination switch  .........................................................86
Console storage compartments  ....................................127
Consumer information  ................................................. 283
Control and operation of
radio transmitters  ..................................................... 154
Coolant
Adding coolant .......................................................... 225
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity  ........................ 282
Checking level  .......................................................... 224
Coolants ......................................................................281
Low engine coolant level
warning lamp  ....................................................... 209
Temperature gauge  .....................................................78
Cruise control  ................................................................. 184
Cup holder .............................................................. 128, 265