Page 67 of 302

63 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, 
roll-overs, other side impacts, rear collisions, or 
other accidents in which the airbags are not 
designed to deploy, the airbags will not be activated. 
The driver and passenger will then be protected by 
the fastened seat belts.
We caution you not to rely on the presence of the 
airbags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt.
Your vehicle was originally equipped with airbags 
which are designed to activate in certain impacts 
exceeding a preset threshold to reduce the potential 
and severity of injury. It is important to your safety 
and that of your passenger that you replace deployed 
airbags and repair any malfunctioning airbags to 
ensure the vehicle will continue to provide crash 
protections for occupants.
Wa r n i n g !
Airbags are designed to reduce the potential of 
injury in certain frontal (front airbags) impacts, 
and side (side impact airbags) impacts which may 
cause significant injuries, however, no system 
available today can totally eliminate injuries and 
fatalities.
The activation of the “SRS” temporarily releases a 
small amount of dust from the airbags. This dust, 
however, is neither injurious to your health, nor 
does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might 
cause some temporary breathing difficulty for 
people with asthma or other breathing trouble. To 
avoid this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as 
soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing 
difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the 
airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a 
window or door.
The service life of the airbags extends to the date 
indicated on the label located on the driverside 
door latch post. To provide continued reliability 
after that date, they should be inspected by an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center at that time and 
replaced when necessary. 
     
        
        Page 85 of 302

81 Flexible service system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1. Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
2. Within 4 seconds press button (1) twice.
3. The present status for days or distance is displayed. 
Within 10 seconds turn key in steering lock to 
position 0.
4. Press and hold button (1), while turning key in 
steering lock to position 2 again. The present status 
for days or distance is displayed once more. 
Continue to hold button (1).
After approx. 10 seconds a signal sounds, and the 
display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) for 
approx. 10 seconds.
5. Release button (1).
If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have a 
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.Note:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more 
days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such 
days not counted by FSS can be added by your 
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The interval between services is determined by the kind 
of vehicle operation. For example driving at extreme 
speeds, and cold starts combined with short distance 
driving in which the engine does not reach normal 
operating temperature, reduce the interval between 
services.
Model SL 500
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles 
(Canada: 15 000 km) and 20 000 miles (Canada: 
30 000 km), or from 365 to 730 days between services.
Model SL 600
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles 
(Canada: 15 000 km) and 16 000 miles (Canada: 
25 000 km), or from 365 to 730 days between services.
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the 
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet 
must be followed to properly care for your vehicle. 
     
        
        Page 166 of 302

162 Tele Aid
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Important!
If the indicator lamp continues to flash or the system 
does not reset, contact the Response Center at 
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or 1-888-923-8367 (in 
Canada), or Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance at 
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) in the USA or 
Customer Service at 1-800-387-0100 in Canada.
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the respective button f lashes until 
the call is concluded and this can only be completed by 
a Response Center or Client Assistance Center 
representative.
When a Tele Aid call has been initiated, the audio 
system is muted and the selected mode (radio, tape or 
CD) pauses. The optional cellular phone (if installed) 
switches off. If you must use this phone, the vehicle 
must be parked. Disconnect the coiled cord and place 
the call. Stolen vehicle tracking services
In the event your vehicle was stolen, report the incident 
to the police who will issue a numbered incident report. 
Pass this number on to the Mercedes-Benz Response 
Center.
The Response Center will then attempt to covertly 
contact the vehicle’s Tele Aid system. Once the vehicle 
is located, the Response Center will contact the local 
Law Enforcement and you. The vehicle’s location will 
only be provided to Law Enforcement.
Important!
Tele Aid utilizes the cellular network for 
communication and the GPS (Global Positioning 
System) satellites for vehicle location. If either of these 
signals are unavailable, the Tele Aid system may not 
function and if this occurs, assistance must be 
summoned by other means.