353 Technical terms
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.
Head-thorax airbag
Installed in the doors, these airbags
protect occupants during side impact
collisions exceeding a preset thresh-
old. Unlike normal side airbags,
head-thorax airbags are also designed
to provide protection for the head area.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a key.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.Memory function
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each key and, if so equipped,
KEYLESS-GO* feature.
Menu
The control system displays are ar-
ranged in menus. Each menu contains
a number of commands for particular
systems. In the Audio menu, for exam-
ple, you will find the commands Select
radio station or Operate CD player. Us-
ing commands you can directly change
the settings for your vehicle.
MON
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
354 Technical termsMultifunction display
Two display fields in the instrument
cluster used to present information
provided by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Parktronic*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing
engine
clutch/torque converter
transmission
transfer case
drive shaft
differential
axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operation (S)
and winter operation (W).
SL 55 AMG with steering wheel gear-
shift control and manual shift program:
in addition to S and W (for regular S or
winter W operation, see above), you
can use MANUAL for manual shift pro-
gramRemote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual Engine Heat Utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Retractable hardtop
Hardtop roof that can be opened and
closed at the push of a button and
stored in the trunk.
Roll bar
Occupant protection system which
consists of tubular steel sheathed in
plastic. The roll bar is lowered into the
car body during normal driving condi-
tions and raised automatically. It may
also be manually raised and lowered by
operating a button during critical driv-
ing situations.
355 Technical terms
RON
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out
of position P without key turned and
brake pedal depressed. SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
Tele Aid System
(Tele
matic A
larm I
dentification on D
e--
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
TIREFIT
Accessory for emergency and tempo-
rary tire repair. The TIREFIT kit consists
of a container with sealant material, a
filler hose, a valve stem tool, a valve in-
sert, and an air compressor.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
358 IndexAnti-theft alarm system 75
Arming 76
Canceling the alarm 76
Disarming 76
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 75
Tow-away alarm 77
Aquaplaning see Hydroplanning 219
Armrest
Storage space 193
Ashtray 23, 196
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 230
Automatic climate control 23, 147
Center air vents 23
Deactivating 154
Residual heat utilization 154
Side air vents 23
Temperature sensor 25
Automatic transmission 137
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 144
Gear ranges 139
Gear shifting malfunctions 144
Kickdown 142
Manual shift program mode
(SL 55 AMG Kompressor) 142Manual shifting 138
One-touch gearshifting 138
Program mode selector switch 24,
141
Selector lever 24
Selector lever position 137
Transmission fluid 230
Winter program mode 141
Auxiliary cup holder 191
Inserting 191
Removing 192
B
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 64, 351
BabySmartTM compatible child
seats 351
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 94
Shoulder region 94
Backrest tilt 33
Backup lamp bulbs 296
Backup lamps 299
BAS 68, 69, 351
Messages in display 260Batteries, electronic key
Changing 293
Check lamp 81
Checking 82
Batteries, KEYLESS-GO* card
Changing 294
Check lamp 87
Checking 87
Batteries, vehicle 232
Charging 321
Disconnecting 320
For electrical consumers 232, 289,
319
For starter 232, 319
Messages in display 263, 264
Reconnecting 321
Removing 321
Service 319
Bi-Xenon headlamps 351
Block heater 240
Brake fluid 226, 342, 343
Brake lamp bulb, high mounted 296
Brake lamp bulbs, left and right 296
Brake pads
Message in display 265
363 Index
Fuel 225
Additives 344
Fuel requirements 344
Fuel reserve warning lamp 21, 255
Gasoline additives 344
Premium unleaded gasoline 225,
342, 344
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 132
Since reset 132
Fuel filler flap 225
Locking 225
Opening 225
Unlocking 225
Fuel requirements 344
Fuel reserve tank
Message in display 286
Fuel tank
Filler flap 225
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. -
capacities 342
Functions (control system) 111
Fuse chart 288, 329Fuses 329
Fuse chart 288, 329
Fuse extractor 288, 329
Main fuse box 329
Spare fuses 288, 329
G
Garage door opener 25, 208
Gasoline see Fuel
Gear range
Automatic transmission 139
Indicator 21
Limiting 139
Shifting into optimal 138
Glove box 19, 190
Closing 190
Opening 190
GPS 353
H
Hands-free microphone 25
Hardtop open/close control 24
Hardtop see Retractable hardtop
Hardtop switch 160
Hazard warning flasher 105
Hazard warning flasher switch 23Head restraints
Adjusting height 33
Adjusting tilt 34
Headlamp switch-off delay see Delayed
switch-off, exterior lamps
Headlamps
Automatic mode 103
Headlamp cleaning system 146, 233
Manual mode 103
Refilling washer fluid 233
Head-thorax airbag 65, 353
Heated steering wheel* 197
Height adjustments
Head restraints 33
Seats 33
Steering column 35
Vehicle level 184
High beam flasher 105
High beam headlamp indicator 21
High beam headlamps 43, 102, 296
Replacing bulbs 298
Switching on 104
Hood 227
Messages in display 279
Horn 19
Hydroplaning 219
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
369 Index
Retractable hardtop 354
Closing (electronic key) 164
Closing (switch) 161
Locking after raising/lowering 162
Message in display 287
Opening (key) 163
Opening (switch) 160
Problems when operating 164
Roll bar 61, 354
Installing wind screen 165
Lowering 62
Message in display 286
Raising 62
Warning lamp 21
Roll bar buttons 24
RON 225, 355
Roof see Retractable hardtop
S
SBC brake system 68, 72, 355
Activation 73
Deactivation 74
Driving hints 74
Messages in display 265, 266, 268
Self-check 74
Warning lamp 72
Screwdriver (vehicle tool kit) 288Seat belt force limiter 60
Seat belts 37, 52, 58
Message in display 272
Warning lamp 256
Seat cushion depth 33
Seat heater
Switching off 97
Switching on 97
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 96
Switching on 96
Seats
Adjusting backrest tilt 33
Adjusting cushion depth 33
Adjusting height 33
Adjusting lumbar support 94
Adjusting shoulder support 94
Heater 97
Massage function 94
Moving 95
Selector lever 24
Lock 39, 355
Position (automatic
transmission) 137Service
Batteries 319
Calling up the service indicator 242
Major service (Service B) 241
Minor service (Service A) 241
Overdue 241
Types 241
When due 241
Service indicator 241
Clearing 241
Service life (tires) 235
Service System see FSS 241
Setting
Convenience functions 129
Cruise control 170
Daytime running lamp mode 124
Distronic* time interval 179
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 131
Individual vehicle 119
Instrument lighting 108
Interior lighting delayed
switch-off 127
Key dependent memory 130
Lamps and lighting (control
system) 124
372 IndexTele Aid 200
Emergency calls 202
Information 205
Initiating an emergency call
manually 203
Messages in display 263
Roadside assistance 204
SOS button 25, 203
Tele Aid system 201
Tele Aid System 355
Telephone* 22, 199
Answering a call 134
Dialing 135
Ending a call 135
Hands-free microphone 25
Loading phone book* 135
Messages in display 270
Operating 133
Redialing 136
Signal strength 134
Telephones and two-way radios 223Temperature
Outside temperature indicator 109
Sensor 25
Setting interior temperature 149
Setting units in display 122
Tires 236
Tightening torque 318, 355
Tilt
Head restraint 34
Time display mode
Setting 122
Tire inflation pressure 305, 310
Checking 226, 235
Setting units 129
Tire speed rating 220, 355
Tire traction 220
TIREFIT 355
TIREFIT kit 289, 302, 308
TIREFIT kit 1
Instructions for use 302
TIREFIT kit 2
Instructions for use 308Tires 234, 348
Direction of rotation 235
Driving instructions 219
Messages in display 281
Retreads 234
Rims and tires 337
Rotating 238
Service life 235
SL 500 338
SL 55 AMG Kompressor 338
Temperature 236, 349
Tread depth 239
Wear pattern 238
Winter 239
Tools 288
Tow-away alarm 24, 77
Arming 77
Disarming 77
Disarming for transport 77
Tow-away alarm switch 24
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit) 288
Installing 327
Towing the vehicle 325
Traction 141, 355
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Fluid level 230