2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 wiper blades

ContentsPractical hints.................................. 249
What to do if … .................................. 250
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 250
Messages in the display ............... 257
Where will I find ...?............................ 288
First aid kit ................................... 288
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 288
Locking/unlocking in an emergency.. 290
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 290
Locking the vehicle ...................... 292
Lowering the Easy Pack feature
manually ....................................... 292
Changing batteries ....................... 293
Replacing bulbs ................................. 295
Bulbs ............................................ 295
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 298
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 299
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 301
Removing ..................................... 301
Installing....................................... 301
Flat tire .............................................. 302
Preparing the vehicle.................... 302
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 1 ..... 302
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 2 ..... 308
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 312Batteries ............................................ 319
Disconnecting the batteries ......... 320
Removing the batteries ................ 321
Charging and reinstalling
batteries....................................... 321
Reconnecting the batteries .......... 321
Jump starting ..................................... 323
Towing the vehicle ............................. 325
Installing towing eye bolt ............. 327
Fuses ................................................. 329
Main fuse box............................... 329
Technical data................................. 331
Spare parts service ............................ 332
Warranty coverage............................. 333
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 333
Identification labels ........................... 334
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 335
SL 500 ......................................... 335
SL 55 AMG ................................... 335
Engine................................................ 336
Rims and tires.................................... 337
Same size tires ............................. 337
Mixed size tires ............................ 338Spare wheel ................................. 338
Electrical system ............................... 339
Main dimensions ............................... 340
Weights ............................................. 341
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 342
Capacities .................................... 342
Engine oils ................................... 343
Engine oil additives ...................... 343
Air conditioner refrigerant............ 343
Brake fluid.................................... 343
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 344
Fuel requirements ........................ 344
Gasoline additives ........................ 344
Coolants ...................................... 345
Windshield and headlamp washer
system ......................................... 347
Consumer information ....................... 348
Uniform tire quality grading ......... 348
Technical terms............................... 351Index................................................. 357

227 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Hood release

Pull lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked.
2Lever for opening the hood

Push lever2 on the hood upwards.

Pull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the
wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or may even restart
after the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.

246 OperationVehicle careCleaning the Distronic* system sensor
cover
Distronic* system sensor cover
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water to clean the sensor
cover1.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and only use a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor. Do not at-
tempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth
or sponge.Cleaning the Parktronic* system
sensors
1Parktronic* sensors
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 4 in. (10 cm) at
sensors1.To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and only use a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensors. Do not
attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Wiper blades
Position of wiper blades when cleaning
Turn key in the starter switch to
position1.
iRestart the engine after cleaning the
sensor1.
!To prevent damage to the hood or the
wipers, the wiper arms MUST BE folded
forward in the position shown above.

247 Operation
Vehicle care

Turn combination switch to position1
(page 44).

Once the wiper arms are in the position
shown above, turn key in starter switch
to position0.

Turn combination switch to position0
(page 44).

Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass
surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.iFor safety reasons, remove key from
starter switch before cleaning the wip-
er blades. Otherwise, the wiper motor
can suddenly turn on and cause injury.!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the starter switch.
iFor safety reasons, switch off wipers
and remove key from starter switch be-
fore cleaning the windshield, otherwise
the wiper motor can suddenly turn on
and cause injury.
iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials.
The acid could lead to corrosion.

249 Practical hints
What to do if …
Where will I find ...?
Locking/unlocking in an emergency
Replacing bulbs
Replacing wiper blades
Flat tire
Batteries
Jump starting
Towing the vehicle
Fuses

301 Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper blades
Removing
Turn key in starter switch to position1.

Turn combination switch to wiper
setting2 (
page 44).

With wiper arm in the vertical position
(see above), turn key in starter switch
to position0.

Fold wiper arm forward.
You should hear it snap into place.

Turn wiper blade at a right angle to the
wiper arm.

Slide the wiper blade sideways out of
the retainer.
Installing
Slide wiper blade onto wiper arm.

Rotate wiper blade into position paral-
lel to wiper arm.

Fold wiper arm back so that blade rests
on windshield.
!To avoid damage to the hood, the wiper
arms should only be folded forward
when in the vertical position.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, remove key from starter
switch before replacing a wiper blade, other-
wise the motor could suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
!Never open the hood when the wiper
arm is folded forward.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact
the windshield glass without a wiper
blade inserted.
For your convenience, we recommend
that you have this work carried out by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

368 IndexPhone book* 135
Loading 135
Quick search 135
Phone number*
Dialing 135
Redialing 136
Pliers, universal (vehicle tool kit) 288
Poly-V-belt drive 354
Layout 335
Power assistance 216
Power train 354
Power windows 157
Side windows 157
Problems while driving 45
Product information 7
Program mode selector switch 354
Automatic transmission 24, 141
PULSE function (Massage function) 94
Q
Quick search
Phone book* 135R
Radio
Select station 116
Station search 116
Station selection setting 128
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 222
Range (distance to empty)
Calling up 133
Reading lamp 25
Rear lamps see Tail lamps
Rear luggage compartment 195
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 146, 153
Redial memory 136
Regular checks 226
Regular driving style 183
Remote controls
Electronic key 80
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics 354
Replacing
Backup lamp bulbs 299
Brake lamp bulbs 296
Bulbs 295
Front lamp bulbs 298
Front turn signal bulbs 298Fuses 329
High beam bulbs 298
License plate lamp bulbs 300
Low beam bulbs 298
Rear fog lamp bulb 299
Rear lamp bulbs 296, 299
Rear turn signal bulbs 299
Wiper blades 301
Reset knob 21
Resetting
All functions (control system) 120
Fuel consumption statistics 132
Service indicator (FSS) 242
Trip odometer 109
Residual heat utilization 154
Restraint systems 52
Airbags 52
Child seat recognition 52
Child seats 52
Emergency tensioning device
(ETD) 52, 60
Seat belt force limiter 60
Seat belts 52, 58

374 IndexVIN (vehicle identification number) 334,
356
Voice control system* 19
Hands-free microphone 25
Voice control system+ 353
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function* 179
Distronic* 173
Warranty coverage 333
Washing the vehicle 245
Wear pattern (tires) 238
Wheel change 312
Tightening torque 318
Wind screen 165, 356
Installing 165
Removing 166
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Refilling washer fluid 233
Washer fluid 45, 233
Washer system 233
Windshield and headlamp washer
system 347Windshield washer fluid 45
Filler neck 233
Message in display 287
Mixing ratio 347
Refilling 233
Windshield wipers 19, 44
Fast wiper speed 44
Intermittent wiping 44
Replacing wiper blades 301
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid 45
Winter driving
Snow chains 240
Tires 239
Transmission program mode 141
Winter driving instructions 221
Winter tires 239
Wrench, hex-socket (vehicle tool
kit) 288, 292
Wrench, open-end (vehicle tool kit) 288
Wrench, wheel (vehicle tool kit) 288, 289
X
Xenon headlamps 356
Bi-Xenon 351