
383 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate the combina-
tion switch for the left or right turn sig-
nal in the usual manner – only the
selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the haz-
ard warning flasher will operate again.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start / stop button in position2, the ve-
hicle doors lock if the left front wheel
as well as the right rear wheel are turn-
ing at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 85).
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic cen-
tral locking (
page 106).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to the vehicle chas-
sis, frame or suspension parts.
iThe selector lever will remain locked in
positionP and the SmartKey will not
turn in the starter switch if the battery
is disconnected or discharged. See
notes on the battery (
page 375) or
on jump starting (
page 378).
Manual unlocking transmission selec-
tor lever (
page 357).

413 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 DVD digital maps for
navigation.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer
and fuel gauge.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.
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 exterior mirror posi-
tions for each SmartKey.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
.
Using commands, you can directly
change the settings for your vehicle.
MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline's
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.

415 Technical terms
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 moved out of positionP
without SmartKey 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
(T
elematic 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-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.Tire speed rating
Part of a 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.
Vehicle level control
The ground clearance of the vehicle is
automatically controlled according to a
selected setting and speed.The driver
can set the ground clearance manually
for example on very rough roads.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

417 Index
A
ABS 74, 411
ABS control 75
Malfunction indicator lamp 310
Messages in display 319
Warning lamp 310
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 164
Accident
In case of 50
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 182, 194
Air recirculation mode 180, 191
Anti-theft alarm system 84
Automatic climate control 186
Central locking (control system) 149
Charcoal filter 192
Climate control 176
Defrosting 179
Distance warning function* 223
Distronic* 219
Easy-entry/exit feature* 150
ESP 79
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 120Front fog lamps 122
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 47
High beams 123
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* 33
Immobilizer 53, 83
Rear fog lamp 121, 122
Rear window defroster 173
Residual heat 182, 194
Seat heater* 113
Tow-away alarm 85
Windshield wipers 48
Adding
Engine oil 284
Additional turn signal 359
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 195
Adjusting 34
Air distribution 178, 189
Air volume 178, 179, 190
Backrest tilt 36
Exterior rear view mirror 38
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36Instrument cluster illumination 126
Interior rear view mirror 38
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 111
Seat cushion depth 111
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35
Seat height 36
Seats 34
Steering column height 37
Steering wheel 37
Adjusting steering column in or out 37
Adjusting steering column up or down 37
Adjusting the dynamic seat 153
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 182, 194
Turning on 182, 194
Air distribution
Adjusting 178, 189
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 290
Air recirculation mode 180, 191
Activating 180, 191
Deactivating 181, 192

419 Index
Manual shift program mode
(SL 55 AMG Kompressor) 165
Manual shifting 159
One-touch gearshifting 159
Program mode selector switch 164
Selector lever position 158
Starting the engine 43
Winter program mode 164
B
BabySmartTM
Airbag deactivation system 67
Compatible child seats 411
Self-test 68
BabySmartTM airbag deactivation
system 411
Backrest
Folding forward 236
Folding rearward 238
BAS 76, 411
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 355, 356
Check lamp 90, 94
Checking 91, 96Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 355, 356
Checking 91, 96
Batteries, vehicle
Charging 377
Disconnecting 376
Messages in display 320, 324, 325
Reconnecting 377
Removing 377
Service 375
Battery discharged
Jump starting 378
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 411
Block heater* 296
Blocking
Rear window operation 72
Brake assist system (BAS) 411
Brake fluid 279, 328
Brake pads
Message in display 326
Brakes
Warning lamp 312
Break-in period 266Bulbs, replacing
Additional turn signals 359
Fog lamps 359
Front lamps 359, 361
High beam 359
High beam bulb (Bi-Xenon* headlamps
only) 362
High beam bulb (Halogen headlamps
only) 362
High mounted brake lamp 360
License plate lamps 360, 363
Low beam 359
Parking lamps 360, 362
Side marker lamps 359, 363
Standing lamps 360, 362
Tail lamp 360
Tail lamp assemblies 363
Turn signal lamp 359

420 IndexC
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 411
Calling up
Distronic* settings 136
Range (distance to empty) 154
Service indicator 298
CAN system 411
Cargo tie-down rings 241
CD player
Operating 135
Center console
Lower part 26
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp 317
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 141
Central locking
Automatic 106
From inside 107
Switch 107
Switching on/off (control
system) 149
Unlocking from inside 107Central locking switch 107
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 355, 356
Batteries (SmartKey) 355, 356
Smartkey setting 150
Vehicle level 228
Charcoal filter 192
Activating 192
Deactivating 193
Charging
Vehicle batteries 377
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 313
Checking
Coolant level 285
Oil level 279, 282
Tire inflation pressure 279
Vehicle lighting 279
Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint systems 62,
65
LATCH child seat anchors 71Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
window operation 72
Cigarette lighter 247
Cleaning
Headlamps 170
Light alloy wheels 305
Parktronic* system sensor 305
Windshield 49
Wood trims 308
Climate control 174
Adjusting 178
Defrosting 179
Setting the temperature 178
Clock 144
Closing
Glove box 242
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof 206
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof with
KEYLESS-GO* 209
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* with
KEYLESS-GO* 200
Roller sunblinds 205
Side windows 198

421 Index
Side windows with
KEYLESS-GO* 200, 203
Sliding/pop-up roof* 201
Sliding/pop-up roof* with
KEYLESS-GO* 200, 203
Sliding/pop-up roof* with
SmartKey 202
Trunk
Vehicle with KEYLESS-GO* 102,
103
Trunk lid 99
Windows 197
Windows with SmartKey 199
Closing the trunk lid 102, 103
Cockpit 20, 411
Cockpit management and data system
(COMAND) 412
COMAND 412
COMAND* see separate operating instruc-
tions
Combination switch 123
High beam flasher 47
Turn signals 47
Windshield wipers 48Consumer information 408
Control system 129, 412
AUDIO menu 134
Convenience submenu 150
Display digital speedometer 134
Distronic* menu 136
Functions 133
Instrument cluster submenu 141,
143
Lighting submenu 146
Malfunction memory menu 137
Menus 132, 133, 413
Multifunction display 129
Multifunction steering wheel 130
Selecting radio system 134
Selecting satellite radio* system 135
Settings menu 138
Standard display menu 134
Submenus 131, 133
TEL* menu 155
Trip computer menu 153
Vehicle submenu 149Convenience submenu 150
Activating easy-entry/exit
feature* 150
Adjusting dynamic seat* 153
Setting parking position for exterior
rear view mirror 152
Setting Smartkey-dependency 152
Coolant
Checking level 285
Messages in display 329, 330, 331
Temperature gauge 127
Warning lamp 314
Coolant temperature 277
Cruise control 211, 412
Canceling 212
Driving downhill 212
Driving uphill 212
Fine adjustment 213
Lever 218
Saving current speed 212
Setting speeds 213
Cruise control lever 211
Cup holder in the center console 243
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 411

422 IndexD
Daytime running lamp mode 121
Setting 146
Deactivating
Air conditioning 182
Air recirculation mode 181, 192
Alarm 84
Anti-theft alarm system 84
Automatic climate control 181, 186
Central locking (control system) 149
Climate control 176
Cruise control 212
Defrost 180, 190
Distance warning function* 223
Distronic* 221
Engine with KEYLESS-GO* 53
ESP 78
Exterior lamps 120
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 52
Immobilizer 83
Interior lighting delayed
switch-off 149
Rear window defroster 173Residual heat 183
Seat heater* 113
Seat ventilation* 114
SmartKey
Turning off the engine 53
Tow-away alarm 85
Deceleration
With Distronic* 217
Defogging
Windshield 179, 189
Defrosting 179, 190
Delayed switch-off
Interior lighting 149
Dialing
A number (telephone) 156
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving 50
With starting 45
Digital speedometer 134
Direction of rotation 290
Discharged battery
Jump starting 378Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 376
Display
Selecting 142, 143
Displays
Digital speedometer 134
Distronic* 216
Messages 283
Selecting 142
Service indicator 297
Showing malfunctions 137
Distance
Decreasing in Distronic* 222
Increasing in Distronic* 222
Warning function 222
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 153
Distance warning function* 222
Activating 223
Deactivating 223
DTR* warning lamp 222
Intermittent warning sound 222
Symbol in multifunction display 136