2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 vario

30 Getting startedUnlockingUnlocking with KEYLESS-GO*
The functions of the KEYLESS-GO card are
nearly identical to those of the key, except
that it cannot be used to open the retract-
able hardtop. When using the key and the
card at the same time, the key overrules
the card.

Grasp the door handle.
The turn signal lamps blink once. The
locking knobs on the doors move up.Pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop but-
ton on the selector lever corresponds to
turning the key to the various starter
switch positions.
1KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
Before you press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button, the vehicle’s on-board
electronics have the status0 (as with key
removed).
Make sure the gear selector lever is set
toP.
Do not depress the brake pedal.
iThe KEYLESS-GO card must be outside
the vehicle to unlock it.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
key and the KEYLESS-GO card with you, and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi-
cle equipment may cause an accident
and/or serious personal injury.iThe SBC brake system is activated.

121 Controls in detail
Control system
The table below shows what settings can
be changed within the various menus. De-
tailed instructions on making individual
settings can be found on the following pag-
es.Instrument cluster
Lighting
Vehicle
Convenience
Select time display mode
Set daytime running
lamp mode (USA only)
Set station selection
mode (radio)
Activate easy-entry/exit
feature
Select temperature dis-
play mode
Set locator lighting
Set automatic locking
Set key dependency
Select speedometer dis-
play mode
Exterior lamps delayed
switch-off
Tire pressure display*
Set parking position for
exterior rear view mirror
Select language
Interior lighting delayed
switch-off

235 Operation
Tires and wheels
Life of tires
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
various factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better aquaplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
ensure that the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of rotation of the tire. Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.If the tires are warm you should only cor-
rect the tire pressure if it is too low for cur-
rent operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the spec-
ified tire inflation pressures for warm and
cold tires as well as for various operating
conditions.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, independently of the remaining
tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Warning!
G
If the tire pressure repeatedly drops

check the tires for punctures from for-
eign objects


check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim
iThe pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.
Increased inflation pressures listed for
heavier loads may also be used for light
loads. These higher pressures produce
favorable handling characteristics. The
ride of the vehicle, however, will be
somewhat harder. Never exceed the
maximum values or inflate tires below
the minimum values listed in the fuel
filler flap.

351 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
ABC
(A
ctive B
ody C
ontrol)
Active, computer-controlled system
that hydraulically adjusts the suspen-
sion at all four wheels in response to
various driving situations.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The alignment
bolt, or centering bolt, is an aid used
when changing a tire to align the wheel
with the wheel hub.BabySmart
TM
airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed (indicator
lamp
7
on the glove box lights up).
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for availability.
BabySmartTM
compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger side airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping depending on vehi-
cle settings and/or ambient condi-
tions.