
2 Contents
Storing steering column 
position in memory  ..................... 70
Rear view mirrors  ............................ 71
Inside rear view mirror  ............... 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors .......... 72
Storing mirror positions in 
memory .......................................... 73
Instrument cluster  ........................... 74
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster  ....................... 76
Additional function indicator 
lamps .............................................. 77
Instrument lamps  ......................... 77
Display illumination  .................... 77
Coolant temperature gauge  ........ 78
Outside temperature
indicator ........................................ 78
Trip odometer  ............................... 79
Clock .............................................. 79
Tachometer .................................... 79
Flexible service system (FSS)  ........ 80
Engine oil level indicator in odometer 
display field  ................................. 82Fuel consumption gauge  ................ 83
Engine oil temperature gauge  ....... 83
Engine oil consumption  ................. 83
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 84
Standing lamps  ............................ 85
Night security illumination  ....... 85
Combination switch  ........................ 86
Blocked windshield wiper  .......... 88
Windshield wiper smears  .......... 88
Windshield and 
headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio  .................................. 88
Hazard warning flasher 
switch ........................................... 89
Automatic climate control .............. 90
Display and controls  ................... 92
Basic setting -
automatic mode  ........................... 93
Economy ........................................ 93
Special settings  ............................ 94
Audio and telephone, operation .... 98
Power windows  ............................... 116
Express opening of 
door windows  .............................. 117Synchronizing
power windows ............................117
Roll bar  .............................................118
Interior lighting  ............................. 120
Interior lamps  ............................. 120
Reading lamps  ............................ 120
Entrance lamps in footwells,
exit lamps in doors  .................... 120
Sunshade, manual  ......................... 121
Power sunshade  ............................. 122
Sun visors  ....................................... 123
Illuminated vanity mirror  ............ 123
Interior ............................................ 124
Storage compartment
(eyeglasses compartment)
in the dashboard  ....................... 124
Interior central
locking system ............................ 125
Integration with vehicle 
central locking system  .............. 126
Separate locking of storage 
compartments ............................. 126
Armrest ........................................... 127
Console storage compartments  ... 127 

5 Contents
Practical hints First aid kit  ..................................... 216
Stowing things in the vehicle  ...... 216
Vehicle tools .................................... 217
Vehicle jack ..................................... 218
Fuses ................................................ 219
Hood .................................................220
Automatic transmission
fluid level  ...................................222
Checking engine oil level  .............222
Coolant level  ...................................224
Adding coolant  ...............................225
Windshield and
headlamp washer
fluid mixing ratio ......................226
Wheels .............................................227
Tire replacement ............................227
Rotating wheels ..............................228
Spare wheel  ....................................229
Changing wheels  ........................... 231
Tire inflation pressure  ..................235
Battery .............................................237
Battery Recycling  .......................238Jump starting  ................................. 239
Towing the vehicle  ........................ 241
Exterior lamps  ............................... 243
Headlamp assembly 
(Halogen) .................................... 244
Taillamp assemblies  .................. 250
Changing batteries in the
remote control ........................... 252
Synchronizing ............................ 253
Raising soft top manually  ............ 254
Replacing wiper blade   ................. 258
Manual release of
fuel filler flap  ............................ 260
Trunk lamp ..................................... 260
Vehicle care Cleaning and care
of the vehicle  ............................. 262
Power washer  ............................. 263
Tar stains  .................................... 263
Paintwork, Painted Body 
Components ................................ 263
Engine cleaning  ......................... 264
Vehicle washing  ......................... 264Ornamental moldings ................264
Headlamps, taillamps, 
turn signal lenses  ......................264
Window cleaning  .......................265
Light alloy wheels  ......................265
Instrument cluster  .....................265
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ......................265
Cup holder ...................................265
Seat belts  .....................................266
Headliner, shelf behind
roll bars, and other hard
plastic trim items  .......................266
Soft top .........................................266
Headliner .....................................267
Wind screen  ................................267
Automatic antenna .....................267
Wiper blade .................................267
Headlamp cleaning 
system ..........................................267
Leather upholstery .....................268
Plastic and rubber parts ............268
Illuminated door sill panels  .....268 

177 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Power assistance
BrakesThe condition of the parking brake system is checked 
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required 
maintenance service.
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.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the 
reason for low brake f luid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
All checks and service work on the brake system should 
be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by 
Mercedes-Benz.
Wa r n i n g !
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.Wa r n i n g !
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 to obtain expected 
braking effect. Be sure to maintain a safe distance 
from vehicles in front.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 vehicle in sufficient time 
to avoid an accident.
Wa r n i n g !
If other than recommended brake pads are 
installed, or other than recommended brake fluid 
is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be 
degraded to an extent that safe braking is 
substantially impaired. This could result in an 
accident.The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects. 

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)